and built another at Temsford judging that place more opportune from whence to make thir excursions and soon after went forth with design to assail Bedford but the Garrison issuing out slew a great part of them the rest fled After this a greater Army of them gatherd out of Mercia and the East-Angles came and beseig'd the City call'd Wigingmere a whole Day but finding it defended stoutly by them within thence also departed driving away much of thir Cattel wherupon the English from Towns and Citties round about joining Forces laid Seige to the Town and Castle of Temsford and by assault took both slew thir King with Toglea a Duke and Mannan his Son an Earl with all the rest there found who chose to die rather then yeild Encourag'd by this the men of Kent Surrey and part of Essex enterprise the Seige of Colnhester nor gave over till they won it sacking the Town and putting to Sword all the Danes therein except some who escap'd over the Wall To the succour of these a great number of Danes inhabiting Ports and other Towns in the East-Angles united thir Force but coming too late as in revenge beleaguerd Maldon but that Town also timely releiv'd they departed not only frustrate of thir design but so hotly persu'd that many thousands of them lost thir lives in the flight Forthwith King Edward with his West-Saxons went to Passham upon Ouse there to guard the passage while others were building a stone Wall about Torchester to him there Earl Thurfert and other Lord Danes with thir Army thereabout as far as Weolud came and submitted Wherat the Kings Souldiers joyfully cry'd out to be dismiss't home therfore with another part of them he enterd Huntingdon and repair'd it where breaches had bin made all the people thereabout returning to obedience The like was done at Colnchester by the next remove of his Army after which both East and West-Angles and the Danish Forces among them yeilded to the King swearing Allegiance to him both by Sea and Land the Army also of Danes at Grantbrig surrendring themselves took the same Oath The Summer following he came with his Army to Stamford An. Dom. 922 built a Castle there on the South-side of the River where all the people of those quarters acknowledg'd him supream Dureing his abode there Elfled his Sister a martial Woman who after her Husbands Death would no more marry but gave her self to public affairs repairing and fortifying many Towns warring sometimes dy'd at Tamworth the Cheif Seat of Mercia wherof by guift of Alfred her Father she was Lady or Queen wherby that whole Nation became obedient to King Edward as did also North-Wales with Howel Cledaucus and Jeothwell thir Kings Thence passing to Nottingham he enterd and repair'd the Town plac'd there part English part Danes and receav'd fealty from all in Mercia of either Nation The next Autumn coming An. Dom. 923 with his Army into Cheshire he built and fortifi'd Thelwel and while he staid there call'd another Army out of Mercia which he sent to repair and fortifie Manchester About Midsummer following An. Dom. 924 he march'd again to Nottingham built a Town over against it on the South-side of that River and with a Bridg joyn'd them both thence journied to a place call'd Bedecanwillan in Pictland there also built and fenc'd a City on the Borders where the King of Scots did him honour as to his Sovran together with the whole Scotish Nation the like did Reginald and the Son of Eadulf Danish Princes with all the Northumbrians both English and Danes The King also of a people thereabout call'd Streatgledwalli the North Welch as Camden thinks of Strat-Cluid in Denbigh-shire perhaps rather the British of Cumberland did him homage and not undeserv'd For Buchanan himself confesses that this King Edward with a small number of men compar'd to his Enemies overthrew in a great Battel the whole united power both of Scots and Daâ—es slew most of the Scotish Nobility and forc'd Malcolmb whom Constantine the Scotch King had made General and design'd Heir of his Crown to save himself by flight sore wounded Of the English he makes Athelstan the Son of Edward Chief Leader and so far seems to confound times and actions as to make this Battel the same with that fought by Athelstan about 24 years after at Bruneford against Anlaf and Constantine wherof hereafter But here Buchanan takes occasion to inveigh against the English Writers upbraiding them with ignorance who affirm Athelstan to have bin supream King of Britain Constantine the Scotish King with others to have held of him and denies that in the Annals of Marianus Scotus any mention is to be found therof which I shall not stand much to contradict for in Marianus whether by Surname or by Nation Scotus will be found as little mention of any other Scotish affairs till the time of King Dunchad slain by Machetad or Mackbeth in the year 1040. which gives cause of suspition that the affairs of Scotland before that time were so obscure as to be unknown to thir own Countryman who liv'd and wrote his Chronicle not long after But King Edward thus nobly doing and thus honour'd the year following dy'd at Farendon An. Dom. 925 a builder and restorer eev'n in War not a destroyer of his Land He had by several Wives many Childern his eldest Daughter Edgith he gave in marriage to Charles King of France Grand-Child of Charles the Bald above-mention'd of the rest in place convenient His Laws are yet to be seen He was buried at Winchester in the Monastery by Alfred his Father And a few days after him dy'd Ethelwerd his Eldest Son the Heir of his Crown He had the whole Iland in subjection yet so as petty Kings reign'd under him In Northumberland after Ecbert whom the Danes had set up and the Northumbrians yet unruly under thir yoke at the end of 6 years had expell'd one Ricsig was set up King and bore the name 3 years then another Ecbert and Guthred the latter if we beleeve Legends of a Servant made King by command of St. Cudbert in a Vision and enjoyn'd by another Vision of the same Saint to pay well for his Royalty many Lands and privileges to his Church and Monastery But now to the story Athelstan AThelstan next in Age to Ethelward his Brother who deceas'd untimely few days before though born of a Concubine yet for the great appearance of many vertues in him and his Brethren being yet under Age was exalted to the Throne at Kingstone An. Dom. 926 upon Thames and by his Fathers last Will saith Malmsbury yet not without some opposition of one Alfred and his Accomplices who not likeing he should reign had conspir'd to seise on him after his Fathers Death and to put out his Eyes But the Conspiratours discoverd and Alfred denying the Plot was sent to Rome to assert his innocence before the Pope where taking his Oath on
Cumbrians and Scots and came at length where constantine himself fought unhors'd him and us'd all means to take him alive but the Scots valiantly defending thir King and laying load upon Turketul which the goodness of his Armour well endur'd he had yet bin beat'n down had not Singin his faithfull second at the same time slain Constantine which once known Analf and the whole Army betook them to flight wherof a huge multitude fell by the Sword This Turketul not long after leaving worldly affairs became Abbot of Croyland which at his own cost he had repair'd from Danish ruins and lest there this memorial of his former actions Athelstan with his Brother Edmund victorious thence turning into Wales with much more ease vanquish'd Ludwal the King and possest his land But Malmsbury writes that commiserating human chance as he displac'd so he restor'd both him and Constantine to thir Regal State for the surrender of King Constantine hath bin above spok'n of However the Welch did him homage at the City of Hereford and covnanted yearly payment of Gold 20 pound of Silver 300 of Oxen 25 thousand besides Hunting Dogs and Hawks He also took Exeter from the Cornish Britans who till that time had equal right there with the English and bounded them with the River Tamar as the other Brittish with Wey Thus dreaded of his Enemies and renown'd far and neer three years after he dy'd at Gloster and was buried with An. Dom. 941 many Trophies at Malmsbury where he had caus'd to be laid his two Cosin Germans Elwin and Ethelstan both slain in the Battel against Anlaf He was 30 years old at his coming to the Crown mature in wisedom from his Childhood comly of person and behaviour so that Alfred his Grandfather in blessing him was wont to pray he might live to have the Kingdome and put him yet a Child into Souldiers habit He had his breeding in the Court of Elfled his Aunt of whose vertues more then female we have related sufficient to evince that his mother though said to be no wedded Wife was yet such of parentage and worth as the Royal line disdain'd not though the Song went in Malmsburies daies for it seems he refus'd not the autority of Ballats for want of better that his mother was a Farmers Daughter but of excellent feature who dreamt one night she brought forth a Moon that should enlight'n the whole land which the Kings Nurse hearing of took her home and bred up Courtly that the King coming one day to visit his Nurse saw there this Damsel lik'd her and by earnest suit prevailing had by her this famous Athelstan a bounteous just and affable King as Malmsbury sets him forth nor less honour'd abroad by Foren Kings who sought his Friendship by great guifts or affinity that Harold King of Noricum sent him a Ship whose Prow was of gold sails purple and other golden things the more to be wonderd at sent from Noricum whether meant Norway or Bavaria the one place so far from such superfluity of wealth the other from all Sea the Embassadors were Helgrim and Offrid who found the King at Yorke His Sisters he gave in marriage to greatest Princes Elgif to Otho Son of Henry the Emperour Egdith to a certain Duke about the Alpes Edgiv to Ludwic King of Aquitain sprung of Charles the Great Ethilda to Hugo King of France who sent Aldulf Son of Baldwin Earl of Flanders to obtain her From all these great suitors especially from the Emperour and King of France came rich presents Horses of excellent Breed gorgeous Trappings and Armour Reliques Jewels Odors Vessels of Onyx and other pretious things which I leave poetically describ'd in Malmsbury tak'n as he confesses out of an old versifier some of whose verses he recites The only blemish left upon him was the exposing of his Brother Edwin who disavow'd by Oath the treason wherof he was accus'd and implor'd an equall hearing But these were Songs as before hath bin said which add also that Athelstan his anger over soon repented of the fact and put to Death his Cup-bearer who had induc't him to suspect and expose his Brother put in mind by a word falling from the Cup-bearers own mouth who slipping one day as he bore the Kings Cup and recovring himself on the other leg said aloud fatally as to him it prov'd one Brother helps the other Which words the King laying to heart and pondring how ill he had done to make away his Brother aveng'd himself first on the adviser of that fact took on him seav'n years penance and as Mat. West saith built two Monasteries for the Soul of his Brother His Laws are extant among the Laws of other Saxon Kings to this day Edmund EDmund not above 18 years old succeeded his Brother Athelstan in courage not inferiour An. Dom. 942 For in the second of his Reign he free'd Mercia of the Danes that remain'd there and took from them the Citties of Lincoln Nottingham Stamsord Darby and Leister where they were plac'd by King Edward but it seems gave not good proof of thir fidelity Simeon writes that Anlaf setting forth from Yorke and having wasted Southward as far as Northampton was met by Edmund at Leister but that ere the Battails join'd peace was made between them by Odo and Wulstan the two Archbishops with conversion of Anlaf for the same year Edmund receav'd at the Font-stone this or another Anlaf as saith Huntingdon not him spok'n of before who dy'd this year so uncertain they are in the story of these times also and held Reginald another King of the Northumbers while the Bishop confirm'd him thir limits were divided North and South by Watling-street But spirituall kindred little avail'd to keep peace between them whoever gave the cause for we read him two years after driving Anlaf whom An. Dom. 944 the Annals now first call the Son of Sitric and Suthfrid Son of Reginald out of Northumberland takeing the whole Country into subjection Edmund the next year harras'd Cumberland then gave An. Dom. 945 it to Malcolm King of Scots thereby bound to assist him in his Wars both by Sea and Land Mat. West adds that in this action Edmund had the aid of Leolin Prince of Northwales against Dummail the Cumbrian King him depriving of his Kingdome and his two Sons of thir sight But the year after he himself An. Dom. 946 by strange accident came to an untimely Death feasting with his Nobles on St. Austins Day at Puclekerke in Glostershire to celebrat the memory of his first converting the Saxons He spi'd Leof a noted Theef whom he had banish'd sitting among his Guests wherat transported with too much vehemence of Spirit though in a just cause riseing from the Table he ran upon the Theef and catching his hair pull'd him to the ground The Theef who doubted from such handling no less then his Death intended thought to die not unreveng'd and with a short Dagger strook
things to his charge he was by Edmund forbidd'n the Court but by the earnest mediation saith Ingulf of Turkitul the Chancellour receav'd at length to favour and made Abbot of Glaston lastly by Edgar and the generall Vote Archbishop of Canterbury Not long after his Death the Danes arriving in Devonshire were met by Goda Lieutenant of that Country and Strenwold a valiant Leader who put back the Danes but with loss of thir own lives The third year following under the conduct of Justin An. Dom. 991 and Guthmund the Son of Steytan they landed and spoil'd Ipswich fought with Britnoth Duke of the East-Angles about Maldon where they slew him the slaughter else had bin equal on both sides These and the like depredations on every side the English not able to resist by counsel of Siric then Arch-bishop of Canterbury and two Dukes Ethelward and Alfric it was thought best for the present to buy that with Silver which they could not gain with thir Iron and Ten Thousand pound was paid to the Danes for peace Which for a while contented but taught them the ready way how easiest to come by more The next year but one they took by storm and rifl'd Bebbanburg an antient City nigh Durham An. Dom. 993 sailing thence into the mouth of Humber they wasted both sides therof Yorkeshire and Lindsey burning and destroying all before them Against these went out three Noblemen Frena Frithegist and Godwin but being all Danes by the Fathers side willingly began flight and forsook thir own Forces betray'd to the Enemy No less treachery was at Sea for Alfric the Son of Elfer Duke of Mercia whom the King for some offence had banish'd but now recall'd sent from London with a Fleet to surprise the Danes in some place of disadvantage gave them over night intelligence therof then fled to them himself which his Fleet saith Florent perceaveing persu'd took the Ship but miss'd of his person the Londoners by chance grapling with the East-Angles made them fewer saith my Authour by many thousands Others say that by this notice of Alfric the Danes not only escap'd but with a greater Fleet An. Dom. 994 set upon the English took many of thir Ships and in tryumph brought them up the Thames intending to beseige London for Anlaf King of Norway and Swane of Denmarke at the head of these came with 94 Gallies The King for this treason of Alfric put out his Sons Eyes but the Londoners both by land and water so valiantly resisted thir beseigers that they were forc't in one day with great loss to give over But what they could not on the City they wreck'd themselves on the Countries round about wasting with Sword and fire all Essex Kent and Sussex Thence horsing thir Foot diffus'd far wider thir outragious incursions without mercy either to Sex or Age. The slothfull King instead of Warlike opposition in the Field sends Embassadors to treat about another payment the sum promisd was now 16 thousand pound till which paid the Danes winterd at Southampton Ethelred inviteing Anlaf to come and visit him at Andover where he was royally entertain'd some say baptiz'd or confirm'd adopted Son by the King and dismis't with great presents promising by Oath to depart and molest the Kingdome no more which he perform'd but the calamity ended not so for after some intermission of thir rage for three years the other Navy An. Dom. 997 of Danes sailing about to the West enterd Severn and wasted one while South Wales then Cornwall and Devonshire till at length they winterd about Tavistoc For it were an endless work to relate how they wallow'd up and down to every particular place and to repeat as oft what devastations they wrought what desolations left behinde them easie to be imagin'd In summ the next year they afflicted An. Dom. 998 Dorsetshire Hamshire and the I le of Wight by the English many resolutions were tak'n many Armies rais'd but either betray'd by the falshood or discourag'd by the weakness of thir Leaders they were put to rout or disbanded themselves For Souldiers most commonly are as thir Commanders without much odds of valour in one Nation or other only as they are more or less wisely disciplin'd and conducted The following year brought them back An. Dom. 999 upon Kent where they enterd Medway and beseig'd Rochester but the Kentish men assembling gave them a sharp encounter yet that suffic'd not to hinder them from doing as they had done in other places Against these depopulations the King levied an Army but the unskillfull Leaders not knowing what to do with it when they had it did but drive out time burd'ning and impoverishing the people consuming the publick treasure and more imboldning the Enemy then if they had sat quiet at home What cause mov'd the Danes next year to pass into Normandy is not recorded but that An. Dom. 1000 they return'd thence more outragious then before Mean while the King to make some diversion undertak's an expedition both by Land and Sea into Cumberland where the Danes were most planted there and in the I le of Man or as Camden saith Anglesey imitating his Enemies in spoiling and unpeopleing the Danes from Normandy arriving in the River Ex laid seige to Exeter but the Cittizens as those of London valorously defending themselves An. Dom. 1001 they wreck'd thir anger as before on the Villages round about The Country people of Somerset and Devonshire assembling themselves at Penho shew'd thir readiness but wanted a head and besides being then but few in number were easily put to flight the Enemy plundring all at will with loaded spoils pass'd into the I le of Wight from whence all Dorsetshire and Hamshire felt again thir fury The Saxon Annals write that before thir coming to Exeter the Hamshire men had a bickering with them wherin Ethelward the Kings General was slain adding other things hardly to be understood An. Dom. 1002 and in one antient Copy so end Ethelred whom no adversity could awake from his soft and sluggish life still coming by the worse at fighting by the advice of his Peers not unlike himself sends one of his gay Courtiers though looking loftily to stoop basely and propose a third tribute to the Danes they willingly hark'n but the summ is enhaunc't now to 24 thousand pound and paid the Danes therupon abstaining from hostility But the King to strengthen his House by some potent affinity marries Emma whom the Saxons call Elgiva Daughter of Richard Duke of Normandy With him Ethelred formerly had War or no good correspondence as appears by a Letter of Pope John the 15th who made peace between them about eleaven years before puft up now with his suppos'd access of strength by this affinity he caus'd the Danes all over England though now living peaceably in one day perfidiously to be massacherd both Men Women and Childern sending privat
Letters to every Town and Citty wherby they might be ready all at the same hower which till the appointed time being the 9th of July was conceal'd with great silence and perform'd with much unanimity so generally hated were the Danes Mat. West writes that this execution upon the Danes was ten years after that Huna one of Ethelreds Chief Captains complaining of the Danish insolencies in time of peace thir pride thir ravishing of Matrons and Virgins incited the King to this massacher which in the madness of rage made no difference of innocent or nocent Among these Gunhildis the Sister of Swane was not spar'd though much deserving not pitty only but all protection she with her Husband Earl Palingus coming to live in England and receaving Christianity had her Husband and young Son slain before her face her self then beheaded foretelling and denouncing that her blood would cost England dear Some say this was done by the Traitor Edric to whose custody she was committed but the massacher was some years before Edric's advancement and if it were done by him afterward it seems to contradict the privat correspondence which he was thought to hold with the Danes For Swane breathing revenge An. Dom. 1003 hasted the next year into England and by the treason or negligence of Count Hugh whom Emma had recommended to the Government of Devonshire sack'd the City of Exeter her Wall from East to West-gate brok'n down after this wasting Wiltshire the people of that County and of Hamshire came together in great numbers with resolution stoutly to oppose him but Alfric thir General whose Sons Eyes the King had lately put out madly thinking to revenge himself on the King by ruining his own Country when he should have orderd his Battel the Enemy being at hand fain'd himself tak'n with a vomiting wherby his Army in great discontent destitute of a Commander turn'd from the Enemy who streight took Wilton and Salsbury carrying the pillage therof to his Ships An. Dom. 1004 Thence the next year landing on the Coast of Norfolk he wasted the Country and set Norwich on fire Ulfketel Duke of the East-Angles a man of great valour not having space to gather his Forces after consultation had thought it best to make peace with the Dane which he breaking within three weeks issu'd silently out of his Ships came to Thetford staid there a night and in the Morning left it flameing Vlsketel hearing this commanded some to go and break or burn his Ships but they not dareing or neglecting he in the mean while with what secresie and speed was possible drawing together his Forces went out against the Enemy and gave them a feirce onset retreating to thir Ships but much inferiour in number many of the Cheif East-Angles there lost thir lives Nor did the Danes come off without great slaughter of thir own confessing that they never met in England with so rough a charge The next year whom War could An. Dom. 1005 not a great Famin drove Swane out of the Land But the Summer following another great Fleet of Danes enterd the Port of Sandwich thence powrd An. Dom. 1006 out over all Kent and Sussex made prey of what they found The King levying an Army out of Mercia and the West-Saxons took on him for once the Manhood to go out and face them But they who held it safer to live by rapine then to hazard a Battel shifting lightly from place to place frustrated the slow motions of a heavy Camp following thir wonted course of robbery then running to thir Ships Thus all Autumn they wearied out the Kings Army which gone home to winter they carried all thir pillage to the I le of Wight and there staid till Christmas at which time the King being in Shropshire and but ill imploi'd for by the procurement of Edric he caus'd as is thought Alfhelm a noble Duke treacherously to be slain and the Eyes of his two Sons to be put out they came forth again over-running Hamshire and Barkeshire as far as Reading and Wallingford thence to Ashdune and other places thereabout neither known nor of tolerable pronuntiation and returning by another way found many of the people in Armes by the River Kenet but making thir way through they got safe with vast booty to thir Ships The An. Dom. 1007 King and his Courtiers wearied out with thir last Summers jaunt after the nimble Danes to no purpose which by proof they found too toilsome for thir soft Bones more us'd to Beds and Couches had recourse to thir last and only remedy thir Cofers and send now the fourth time to buy a dishonorable peace every time still dearer not to be had now under 36 thousand pound for the Danes knew how to milk such easie Kine in name of Tribute and expences which out of the people over all England already half beggerd was extorted and paid About the same time Ethelred advanc'd Edric surnam'd Streon from obscure condition to be Duke of Mercia and marry Edgitha the Kings Daughter The cause of his advancement Florent of Worster and Mat. West attribute to his great wealth gott'n by fine polices and a plausible tongue he prov'd a main accessory to the ruin of England as his actions will soon declare Ethelred the next year somewhat An. Dom. 1008 rowsing himself ordain'd that every 310 Hides a Hide is so much land as one Plow can sufficiently till should set out a Ship or Gally and every nine Hides find a Corslet and Head-peice new Ships in every Port were builded vittl'd fraught with stout Mariners and Souldiers and appointed to meet all at Sandwich A man might now think that all would go well when suddenly a new mischief sprung up dissention among the great ones which brought all this diligence to as little success as at other times before Bithric the Brother of Edric falsly accus'd Wulnoth a great Officer set over the South-Saxons who fearing the potency of his Enemies with 20 Ships got to Sea and practis'd piracy on the Coast Against whom reported to be in a place where he might be easily surpris'd Bithrie sets forth with 80 Ships all which driv'n back by a Tempest and wrackt upon the shoar were burnt soon after by Wulnoth Disheart'nd with this misfortune the King returns to London the rest of his Navy after him and all this great preparation to nothing Wherupon Turkill a Danish Earl came with a Navy An. Dom. 1009 to the I le of Tanet and in August a far greater led by Heming and Ilaf joyn'd with him Thence coasting to Sandwich and landed they went onward and began to assault Canterbury but the Citizens and East Kentish men coming to composition with them for three thousand pound they departed thence to the I le of Wight robbing and burning by the way Against these the King levies an Army through all the land and in several quarters places them nigh the Sea but so
this Iland Where the Inhabitants none but Devils as som write or as others a lawless crew left heer by Albion without Head or Governour both entertain'd them and had issue by them a second breed of Giants who tyranniz'd the Ile till Brutus came The Eldest of these Dames in thir Legend they call Albina and from thence for which cause the whole scene was fram'd will have the name Albion deriv'd Incredible it may seem so sluggish a conceit should prove so ancient as to be authoriz'd by the Elder Ninnius reputed to have liv'd above a thousand years agoe This I find not in him but that Histion sprung of Japhet had four Sons Francus Romanus Alemannus and Britto of whom the Britans as true I beleeve as that those other Nations whose names are resembl'd came of the other three if these Dreams give not just occasion to call in doubt the Book it self which bears that title Hitherto the things themselves have giv'n us a warrantable dispatch to run them soon over But now of Brutus and his Line with the whole Progeny of Kings to the entrance of Julius Caesar we cannot so easily be discharg'd Descents of Ancestry long continu'd laws and exploits not plainly seeming to be borrow'd or devis'd which on the common beleif have wrought no small impression defended by many deny'd utterly by few For what though Brutus and the whole Trojan pretence were yeelded up seeing they who first devis'd to bring us from som noble Ancestor were content at first with Brutus the Consul till better invention although not willing to forgoe the name taught them to remove it higher into a more fabulous Age by the same remove lighting on the Trojan Tales in affectation to make the Britan of one Original with the Roman pitch'd there yet those old and inborn names of successive Kings never any to have bin real persons or don in thir lives at least som part of what so long hath bin remember'd cannot be thought without too strict an incredulity For these and those causes above mention'd that which hath receav'd approbation from so many I have chos'n not to omitt Certain or uncertain be that upon the credit of those whom I must follow so far as keeps alooff from impossible and absurd attested by ancient Writers from Books more ancient I refuse not as the due and proper subject of Story The principal Author is well know'n to be Geoffrey of Monmouth what he was and whence his authority who in his age or before him have deliver'd the same matter and such like general discourses will better stand in a Treatise by themselvs All of them agree in this that Brutus was the Son of Silvius he of Ascanius whose Father was Aeneas a Trojan Prince who at the burning of that City with his Son Ascanius and a collected number that escap'd after long wandring on the Sea arriv'd in Italy Where at length by the assistance of Latinus King of Latium who had giv'n him his Daughter Lavinia he obtain'd to succeed in that Kingdom and left it to Ascanius whose Son Silvius though Roman Histories deny Silvius to be Son of Ascanius had maried secretly a Neece of Lavinia She being with Child the matter became known to Ascanius Who commanding his Magicians to enquire by Art what sex the Maid had conceiv'd had answer that it was one who should be the death of both his Parents and banish'd for the fact should after all in a farr Country attain to highest honour The prediction fail'd not for intravel the Mother di'd And Brutus the Child was so call'd at fifteen years of Age attending his Father to the Chace with an arrow unfortunately kill'd him Banish'd therefore by his kindred he retires into Greece Where meeting with the race of Helenus King Priams Son held there in servile condition by Pandrasus then King with them he abides For Pirrhus in revenge of his Father slain at Troy had brought thither with him Helenus and many others into servitude There Brutus among his own stock so thrives in vertue and in Arms as renders him belov'd to Kings and great Captains above all the Youth of that Land Wherby the Trojans not only beginn to hope but secretly to move him that he would lead them the way to liberty They allege their numbers and the promis'd help of Assaracus a Noble Greekish Youth by the Mothers side a Trojan whom for that cause his Brother went about to dispossess of certain Castles bequeath'd him by his Father Brutus considering both the Forces offer'd him and the strength of those Holds not unwillingly consents First therfore having fortifi'd those Castles he with Assaracus and the whole multitude betake them to the Woods and Hills as the safest place from whence to expostulate and in the name of all sends to Pandrasus this Message That the Trojans holding it unworthy thir Ancestors to serv in a Foren Kingdom had retreated to the Woods choosing rather a Savage life then a slavish If that displeas'd him that then with his leave they might depart to some other soil As this may pass with good allowance that the Trojans might be many in these parts for Helenus was by Pirrhus made King of the Chaouians and the Sons of Pirrhus by Andromache Hectors Wise could not but be powerful through all Epirus so much the more it may be doubted how these Trojans could be thus in bondage where they had Freinds and Country-men so Potent But to examin these things with diligence were but to confute the Fables of Britan with the Fables of Greece or Italy for of this Age what we have to say as well concerning most other Countries as this Iland is equally under Question Bee 't how it will Pandrasus not expecting so bold a message from the Sons of Captives gathers an Army And marching toward the Woods Brutus who had notice of his approach nigh to a Town call'd Sparatinum I know not what Towne but certaine of no Greek name over night planting himself there with good part of his men suddenly sets upon him and with slaughter of the Greeks pursues him to the passage of a River which mine Author names Akalon meaning perhaps Achelous or Acheron where at the Ford he overlaies them afresh This victory obtain'd and a sufficient strength left in Sparatinum Brutus with Antigonus the Kings Brother and his Freind Anacletus whom he had tak'n in the fight returns to the residue of his freinds in the thick Woods While Pandrasus with all speed recollecting beseiges the Town Brutus to releive his men beseig'd who earnestly call'd him distrusting the sufficiency of his force bethinks himself of this Policy Calls to him Anacletus and threatning instant death else both to him and his freind Antigonus enjoyns him that he should goe at the second howr of night to the Greekish Leagre and tell the Guards he had brought Antigonus by stealth out of Prison to a certain woody Vale unable through the waight of
builder of Temples and gave to all what was thir due to his Gods devout Worship to men of desert honour and preferment to the Commons encouragement in thir Labours and Trades defence and protection from injuries and oppressions so that the Land florish'd above her Neighbours Violence and Wrong seldom was heard of his Death was a general loss he was buried in Trinovant Archigallo the second Brother follow'd not his Example but depress'd the ancient Nobility and by peeling the wealthier sort stuff'd his Treasury and took the right way to be depos'd Elidure the next Brother surnam'd the Pious was set up in his place a mind so noble and so moderat as almost is incredible to have bin ever found For having held the Scepter five Years hunting one day in the Forest of Calater he chanc'd to meet his deposed Brother wandring in mean condition who had bin long in vain beyond the Seas importuning Foren aides to his Restorement and was now in a poor Habit with only ten followers privatly return'd to find subsistence among his secret freinds At the unexpected sight of him Elidure himself also then but thinly accompanied runns to him with open Arms and after many dear and sincere welcomings convaines him to the Citty Alclud there hides him in his own Bed-Chamber Afterwards faining himself sick summons all his Peers as about greatest affairs where admitting them one by one as if his weakness endur'd not the disturbance of more at once causes them willing or unwilling once more to swear Allegiance to Archigallo Whom after reconciliation made on all sides he leads to York and from his own Head places the Crown on the Head of his Brother Who thenceforth Vice it self dissolving in him and forgetting her firmest hold with the admiration of a deed so Heroic became a true converted man rul'd worthily 10 Years dy'd and was Buried in Caerleir Thus was a Brother sav'd by a Brother to whom love of a Crown the thing that so often dazles and vitiats mortal men for which thousands of neerest blood have destroy'd each other was in respect of Brotherly dearness a contemptible thing Elidure now in his own behalf re-assumes the Government and did as was worthy such a man to doe When providence that so great vertue might want no sort of trial to make it more illustrious stirs up Vigenius and Peredure his youngest Brethren against him who had deserv'd so nobly of that relation as lest of all by a Brother to be injur'd Yet him they defeat him they Imprison in the Towr of Trinovant and divide his Kingdom the North to Peredure the South to Vigenius After whose Death Peredure obtaining all so much the better us'd his power by how much the worse he got it So that Elidure now is hardly miss't But yet in all right owing to his Elder the due place wherof he had depriv'd him Fate would that he should die first and Elidure after many years Imprisonment is now the third time seated on the Throne which at last he enjoy'd long in Peace finishing the interrupted course of his mild and just Reign as full of vertuous deeds as daies to his end After these five Sons of Morindus succeeded also thir Sons in Order Regin of Gorbonian Marganus of Archigallo both good Kings But Enniaunus his Brother taking other courses was after six years depos'd Then Idwallo taught by a neer Example Govern'd soberly Then Runno then Geruntius He of Peredure this last the Son of Elidure From whose Loyns for that likely is the durable and surviving Race that springs of just Progenitors issu'd a long descent of Kings whose names only for many successions without other memory stand thus register'd Catellus Coillus Porrex Cherin and his three Sons Fulgenius Eldadus and Andragius his Son Vrianus Eliud Eledaueus Clotenus Gurguntius Merianus Bleduno Capis Oënus Sisillius twentie Kings in a continu'd row that either did nothing or liv'd in Ages that wrote nothing at least a foul pretermission in the Author of this whether Story or Fable himself wearie as seems of his own tedious Tale. But to make amends for this Silence Blegabredus next succeeding is recorded to have excell'd all before him in the Art of Music oppertunely had he but left us one Song of his 20 Predecessors doings Yet after him nine more succeeded in name His Brother Archimailus Eldol Redion Rederchius Samulius Penissel Pir Capoirus but Cliguellius with the addition of Modest Wise and Just His Son Heli Reign'd 40 Years and had three Sons Lud Cassibelaun and Nennius This Heli seems to be the same whom Ninnius in his fragment calls Minocan for him he writes to be the Father of Cassibelan Lud was he that enlarg'd and wall'd about Trinovant there kept his Court made it the prime City and call'd it from his own name Caer-lud or Luds Town now London Which as is alledg'd out of Gildas became matter of great dissention betwixt him and his Brother Nennius who took it hainously that the name of Troy thir ancient Country should be abolish'd for any new one Lud was hardy and bold in Warr in Peace a jolly Feaster He conquer'd many Ilands of the Sea saith Huntingdon and was buried by the Gate which from thence wee call Ludgate His two Sons Androgeus and Tenuantius were left unto the tuition of Cassibelan whose bounty and high demeanor so wraught with the common people as got him easily the Kingdom transferr'd upon himself He nevertheless continuing to favour and support his Nefews conferrs freely upon Androgeus London with Kent upon Tenuantius Cornwall reserving a superiority both over them and all the other Princes to himself till the Romans for a while circumscrib'd his power Thus farr though leaning only on the creâ—â—t of Geffrey Monmouth and his assertors I yet for the specify'd causes have thought it not beneath my purpose to relate what I found Wherto I neither oblige the beleif of other person nor over-hastily subscribe mine own Nor have I stood with others computing or collating years and Chronologies lest I should be vainly curious about the time and circumstance of things wherof the substance is so much in doubt By this time like one who had set out on his way by night and travail'd through a Region of smooth or idle Dreams our History now arrivs on the Confines where day-light and truth meet us with a cleer dawn representing to our view though at a farr distance true colours and shapes For albeit Caesar whose Autority we are now first to follow wanted not who tax'd him of mis-reporting in his Commentaries yea in his Civil Warrs against Pompey much more may wee think in the British affairs of whose little skill in writing he did not easily hope to be contradicted yet now in such variety of good Authors we hardly can miss from one hand or other to be sufficiently inform'd as of things past so long agoe But this will better be referr'd to a second discourse The End of
Summer now behind commands him only Hostages and what yearly Tribute the Iland should pay to Rome forbidds him to molest the Trinobants or Mandubratius and with his Hostages and great number of Captives he puts to Sea haveing at twise embark't his whole Armie At his return to Rome as from a glorious enterprise he offers to Venus the Patroness of his Family a Corslet of British Pearles Howbeit other antient writers have spok'n more doubtfully of Caesars Victories heer and that in plaine termes he fled from hence for which the common verse in Lucan with divers passages heer and there in Tacitus is alleg'd Paulus Orofius who took what he wrote from a Historie of Suetonius now lost writes that Caesar in his first journey entertain'd with a sharp fight lost no small number of his Foot and by tempest nigh all his Horse Dion affirms that once in the second expedition all his Foot were routed Orosius that another time all his Horse The British Author whom I use only then when others are all silent hath many trivial discourses of Caesars beeing heer which are best omitted Nor have wee more of Cassibelan then what the same storie tells how he warr'd soon after with Androgeus about his Nefew slain by Evelinus Nefew to the other which business at length compos'd Cassibelan dies and was buried in Yorke if the Monmouth Booke Fable not But at Caesars coming hither such likeliest were the Britans as the Writers of those times and thir own actions represent them in courage and warlike readiness to take advantage by ambush or sudden onset not inferiour to the Romans nor Cassibelan to Caesar in Weapons Armes and the skill of Encamping Embattailing Fortifying overmatch't thir Weapons were a short Speare and light Target a Sword also by thir side thir fight sometimes in Chariots phang'd at the Axle with Iron Sithes thir bodies most part naked only painted with woad in sundrie figures to seeme terrible as they thought but poursu'd by Enemies not nice of thir painting to run into Bogs worse then wild Irish up to the Neck and there to stay many daies holding a certain morsel in thir mouths no bigger then a bean to suffice hunger but that receit and the temperance it taught is long since unknown among us thir Towns and strong holds were spaces of ground fenc't about with a Ditch and great Trees fell'd overthwart each other thir buildings within were thatch't Houses for themselves and thir Cattell in peace the Upland Inhabitants besides hunting tended thir flocks and heards but with little skill of Countrie affaires the makeing of Cheese they commonly knew not Woole or Flax they spun not gard'ning and planting many of them knew not clothing they had none but what the skins of Beasts afforded them and that not alwaies yet gallantrie they had painting thir own skins with severall Portratures of Beast Bird or Flower a Vanitie which hath not yet left us remov'd only from the skin to the skirt behung now with as many colour'd Ribands and gewgawes towards the Sea side they till'd the ground and liv'd much after the manner of Caules thir Neighbours or first Planters thir money was brazen pieces or Iron Rings thir best Merchandise Tin the rest trifles of Glass Ivorie and such like yet Gemms and Pearles they had saith Mela in some Rivers thir Ships of light timber wickerd with Oysier betweene and coverd over with Leather serv'd not therefore to tranceport them farr and thir commodities were fetch 't away by Foren Merchants thir dealing saith Diodorus plaine and simple without fraude thir civil Government under many Princes and States not confederate or consulting in common but mistrustfull and oft-times warring one with the other which gave them up one by one an easie Conquest to the Romans thir Religion was governd by a sort of Priests or Magicians call'd Druides from the Greek name of an Oke which Tree they had in greate reverence and the Missleto especially growing theron Plinie writes them skill'd in Magic no less then those of Persia by thir abstaining from a Hen a Hare and a Goose from Fish also saith Dion and thir opinion of the Soules passing after Death into other Bodies they may be thought to have studied Pythagoras yet Philosophers I cannot call them reported men factious and ambitious contending somtimes about the archpriesthood not without civil Warr and slaughter nor restrein'd they the people under them from a lew'd adulterous and incestuous life ten or twelve men absurdly against nature possessing one woman as thir common Wife though of neerest Kin Mother Daughter or Sister Progenitors not to be glori'd in But the Gospel not long after preach't heer abolish'd such impurities and of the Romans we have cause not to say much worse then that they beate us into some civilitie likely else to have continu'd longer in a barbarous and savage manner of life After Julius for Julius before his Death tyrannously had made himself Emperor of the Roman Common-wealth and was slaine in the Senate for so doeing he who next obtain'd the Empire Octavianus Caesar Augustus either contemning the Iland as Strabo would have us think whose neither benefit was worth the having nor enmitie worth the fearing or out of a wholsome state maxim as some say to moderate and bound the Empire from growing vast and unweildie made no attempt against the Britans But the truer cause was partly civil Warr among the Romans partly other affairs more Year before the Birth of Christ 32 urging For about 20 Years after all which time the Britans had liv'd at thir own dispose Augustus in imitation of his Uncle Julius either intending or seeming to intend an expedition hither was com into Gallia when the news of a revolt in Pannonia diverted him about 7 year after in the same resolution what with the unsettl'dness of Gallia and what with Embassadors from Britain which met him there he proceeded not The next year difference arrising about Covnants he was again prevented by other new commotions in Spaine Nevertheless som of the British Potentates omitted not to seek his friendship by guifts offerd in the Capitol and other obsequious addresses Insomuch that the whole Iland became eev'n in those daies well known to the Romans too well perhaps for them who from the knowledge of us were so like to prove Enemies But as for Tribute the Britans paid none to Augustus except what easie customes were levied on the slight commodities wherewith they traded into Gallia After Cassibelan Tenantius the younger Son of Lud according to the Monmouth Storie was made King For Androgeus the Elder conceaving himself generally hated for sideing with the Romans forsook his claime heer and follow'd Caesars Fortune This King is recorded Just and Warlike His Son Kymbeline or Cunobeline succeeding was brought up as is said in the Court of Augustus and with
meeting Whom Austin being already there before them neither arose to meet nor receiv'd in any brotherly sort but sat all the while pontifically in his Chair Whereat the Britans as they were counsel'd by the holy man neglected him and neither hark'n'd to his proposals of conformity nor would acknowledge him for an Archbishop And in name of the rest Dinothus then Abbot of Bangor is said thus sagely to have answer'd him As to the subjection which you require be thus perswaded of us that in the bond of love and charity we are all Subjects and Servants to the Church of God yea to the Pope of Rome and every good Christian to help them forward both by word and deed to be the Childern of God other obedience then this we know not to be due to him whom you term the Pope and this obedience we are ready to give both to him and to every Christian continually Besides we are govern'd under God by the Bishop of Caerleon who is to oversee us in spiritual matters To which Austin thus presaging some say menacing replies since ye refuse to accept of peace with your brethren ye shall have War from your enemies and since ye will not with us preach the word of life to whom ye ought from their hands ye shall receive death This though Writers agree not whether Austin spake it as his prophecy or as his plot against the Britans fell out accordingly For many years were not past when Ethelfrid whether of his own accord An. Dom. 607 or at the request of Ethelbert incens't by Austin with a powerful host came to Westchester then Caer-legion Where being met by the British Forces and both sides in readiness to give the onset he discernes a company of men not habited for War standing together in a place of some safety and by them a Squadron arm'd Whom having lernt upon some enquiry to be Priests and Monks assembl'd thither after three days fasting to pray for the good success of thir Forces against him therefore they first faith he shall feel our Swords for they who pray against us fight heaviest against us by thir prayers and are our dangerousest enemies And with that turns his first charge upon the Monks Brocmail the Captain set to guard them quickly turns his back and leaves above 1200 Monks to a sudden massacher whereof scarse fifty scap'd but not so easie work found Ethelfrid against another part of Britans that stood in arms whom though at last he overthrew yet with slaughter nigh as great to his own souldiers To excuse Austin of this bloodshed lest some might think it his revengeful policy Beda writes that he was dead long before although if the time of his sitting Archbishop be right computed sixteen years he must survive this action Other just ground of charging him with this imputatión appears not save what evidently we have from Geffry Monmouth whose weight we know The same year Kelwulf made War on the South-Saxons bloody saith Huntingdon to both sides but most to them of the South An. Dom. 611 and four years after dying left the Government of West-Saxons to Kinegils and Cuichelm the sons of his brother Keola Others as Florent of Worster and Mathew of Westminster will have Cuichelm son of Kinegils but admitted to reign with his father An. Dom. 614 in whose third year they are recorded with joynt Forces or conduct to have fought against the Britans in Beandune now Bindon in Dorsetshire An. Dom. 616 and to have slain of them above two thousand More memorable was the second year following by the death of Ethelbert the first Christian King of Saxons and no less a favourer of all civility in that rude age He gave Laws and Statutes after the example of Roman Emperors written with the advice of his sagest Counsellors but in the English tongue and observ'd long after Wherein his special care was to punish those who had stoln ought from Church or Church-man thereby shewing how gratefully he receiv'd at thir hands the Christian Faith Which he no sooner dead but his son Eadbald took the course as fast to extinguish not only falling back to Heathenism but that which Heathenism was wont to abhor marrying his fathers second wife Then soon was perceiv'd what multitudes for fear or countenance of the King had profess't Christianity returning now as eagerly to thir old Religion Nor staid the Apostacy within one Province but quickly spread over to the East-Saxons occasion'd there likewise or set forward by the death of thir Christian King Sebert whose three sons of whom two are nam'd Sexted and Seward neither in his life time would be brought to baptism and after his decease re-establish'd the free exercise of Idolatry nor so content they set themselves in despight to do some op'n profanation against the other Sacrament Coming therfore into the Church where Mellitus the Bishop was ministring they requir'd him in abuse and scorn to deliver to them unbaptiz'd the consecrated bread and him refuseing drove disgracefully out of their dominion Who cross'd forthwith into Kent where things were in the same plight and thence into France with Justus Bishop of Rochester But Divine vengeance deferr'd not long the punishment of men so impious for Eadbald vext with an evil Spirit fell oft'n into foul fits of distraction and the Sons of Sebert in a fight against the West-Saxons perish'd with their whole Army But Eadbald within the year by an extraordinary means became penitent For when Laurence the Archbishop and successor of Austin was preparing to ship for France after Justus and Mellitus the story goes if it be worth beleeving that St. Peter in whose Church he spent the night before in watching and praying appear'd to him and to make the Vision more sensible gave him many stripes for offering to desert his flock at sight whereof the King to whom next morning he shew'd the marks of what he had suffer'd by whom and for what cause relenting and in great fear dissolv'd his incestuous marriage and appli'd himself to the Christian Faith more sincerely then before with all his people But the Londoners addicted still to Paganism would not be perswaded to receave again Mellitus thir Bishop and to compell them was not in his power An. Dom. 617 Thus much through all the South was troubl'd in Religion as much were the North parts disquieted through Ambition For Ethelfrid of Bernicia as was touch't before having thrown Edwin out of Deira and join'd that Kingdome to his own not content to have bereav'd him of his right whose known vertues and high parts gave cause of suspition to his Enemies sends Messengers to demand him of Redwald King of East-Angles under whose protection after many years wandring obscurely through all the Iland he had plac'd his safety Redwald though having promis'd all defence to Edwin as to his suppliant yet tempted with continual and large offers of gold and not contemning the
so frequent Alarms came to agreement with them for a certain sum of money but ere the peace could be ratifi'd and the money gatherd the Danes impatient of delay by a sudden eruption in the night soon wasted all the East of Kent Mean while or something before Ethelbert deceasing was buried as his Brother at Sherburne Ethelred EThelred the third Son of Ethelwolf at his first An. Dom. 866 coming to the Crown was entertain'd with a fresh invasion of Danes led by Hinguar and Hubba two Brothers who now had got footing among the East-Angles there they winterd and coming to terms of peace with the Inhabitants furnish'd themselves of Horses forming by that means many Troops with Riders of thir own These Pagans Asser saith came from the River Danubius Fitted An. Dom. 867 thus for a long expedition they ventur'd the next year to make thir way over land and over Humber as far as Yorke them they found to thir hands imbroil'd in civil dissentions thir King Osbert they had thrown out and Ella Leader of another faction chosen in his room who both though late admonish'd by thir common danger towards the years end with united powers made head against the Danes and prevail'd but persueing them over-eagerly into Yorke then but slenderly wall'd the Northumbrians were every where slaughter'd both within and without thir Kings also both slain thir City burnt saith Malmsbury the rest as they could made thir peace over-run and vanquisht as far as the River Tine and Egbert of English race appointed King over them Bromton no antient Author for he wrote since Mat. West nor of much credit writes a particular cause of the Danes coming to Yorke that Bruern a Nobleman whose Wife King Osbert had ravisht call'd in Hinguar and Hubba to revenge him The example is remarkable if the truth were as evident Thence victorious the Danes next year enterd into Mercia towards An. Dom. 868 Nottingham where they spent the Winter Burhed then King of that Country unable to resist implores the aid of Ethelred and young Alfred his Brother they assembling thir Forces and joining with the Mercians about Nottingham offer Battel the Danes not daring to come forth kept themselves within that Town and Castle so that no great fight was hazarded there at length the Mercians weary of long suspence enterd into conditions of peace with thir Enemies After which the Danes returning back to Yorke made thir abode there the space of one year committing some say many cruelties An. Dom. 869 An. Dom. 870 Thence imbarking to Lindsey and all the Summer destroying that Country about September they came with like fury into Kesteven another part of Lincolnshire where Algar the Earl of Howland now Holland with his Forces and two hunderd stout Souldiers belonging to the Abbey of Croiland three hunderd from about Boston Morcard Lord of Brunne with his numerous Family well train'd and arm'd Osgot Governour of Lincoln with 500. of that City all joyning together gave Battel to the Danes slew of them a great multitude with three of thir Kings and persu'd the rest to thir Tents but the night following Gothrun Baseg Osketil Halfden and Hamond five Kings and as many Earls Frena Hinguar Hubba Sidroc the Elder and Younger coming in from several parts with great forces and spoils great part of the English began to slink home Nevertheless Algar with such as forsook him not all next day in order of Battel facing the Danes and sustaining unmov'd the brunt of thir assaults could not withhold his men at last from persueing thir counterfitted flight wherby op'nd and disorder'd they fell into the snare of thir Enemies rushing back upon them Algar and those Captains fore-nam'd with him all resolute men retreating to a hill side and slaying of such as follow'd them manifold thir own number dy'd at length upon heaps of dead which they had made round about them The Danes thence passing on into the Country of East-Angles rifl'd and burnt the Monastery of Elie overthrew Earl Wulketul with his whole Army and lodg'd out the Winter at Thetford where King Edmund assailing them was with his whole Army put to flight himself tak'n bound to a stake and shot to Death with Arrows his whole Country subdu'd The next year An. Dom. 871 with great supplies saith Huntingdon bending thir march toward the West-Saxons the only people now left in whom might seem yet to remain strength or courage likely to oppose them they came to Reading fortifi'd there between the two Rivers of Thames and Kenet and about three dayes after sent out wings of Horse under two Earls to forage the Country but Ethelwulf Earl of Barkshire at Englefeild a Village nigh encounterd them slew one of thir Earls and obtain'd a great Victory Four dayes after came the King himself and his Brother Alfred with the main Battail and the Danes issuing forth a bloody fight began on either side great slaughter in which Earl Ethelwulf lost his life but the Danes loosing no ground kept thir place of standing to the end Neither did the English for this make less hast to another conflict at Escesdunc or Ashdown four dayes after where both Armies with thir whole force on either side met The Danes were imbattail'd in two great Bodies the one led by Bascai and Halfden thir two Kings the other by such Earls as were appointed in like manner the English divided thir powers Ethelred the King stood against their Kings and though on the lower ground and coming later into the Battail from his Orisons gave a fierce onset wherin Bascai the Danish History names him Erazus the Son of Regicerus was slain Alfred was plac'd against the Earls and beginning the Battail ere his Brother came into the field with such resolution charg'd them that in the shock most of them were slain they are nam'd Sidroc Elder and Younger Osbern Frean Harald at length in both Divisions the Danes turn thir backs many thousands of them cut off the rest persu'd till night So much the more it may be wonderd to hear next in the Annals that the Danes 14 days after such an over-throw fighting again with Ethelred and his Brother Alfred at Basing under conduct saith the Danish History of Agnerus and Hubbo Brothers of the slain Evacus should obtain the Victory especially since the new supply of Danes mention'd by Asser arriv'd after this action But after two Months the King and his Brother fought with them again at Mertun in two Squadrons as before in which fight hard it is to understand who had the better so darkly do the Saxon Annals deliver thir meaning with more then wonted infancy Yet these I take for Asser is heer silent to be the Chief Fountain of our story the ground and basis upon which the Monks later in time gloss and comment at thir pleasure Nevertheless it appears that on the Saxon part not Heamund the Bishop only but many valiant men
the King who still laid at him and little expected such assassination mortally into the brest The matter was done in a moment ere men set at Table could turn them or imagin at first what the stir meant till perceaving the King deadly wounded they flew upon the murderer and hew'd him to peeces who like a wild Beast at abbay seeing himself surrounded desperatly laid about him wounding some in his fall The King was buried at Glaston wherof Dunstan was then Abbot his Laws yet remain to be seen among the Laws of other Saxon Kings Edred EDred the third Brother of Athelstan the Sons of Edmund being yet but Children next reign'd not degenerating from his worthy predecessors and Crown'd at Kingston Northumberland he throughly subdu'd the Scots without refusal swore him Allegiance yet the Northumbrians ever of doubtfull Faith soon after chose to themselves one Eric a Dane Huntingdon still haunts us with this Anlaf of whom we gladly would have bin ridd and will have him before Eric recall'd once more and reign fowr years then again put to his shifts But An. Dom. 950 Edred entring into Northumberland and with spoils returning Eric the King fell upon his rear Edred turning about both shook off the Enemy and prepar'd to make a second inroad which the Northumbrians dreading rejected Eric slew Amanous the Son of Anlaf and with many presents appeasing Edred submitted again to his Goverment nor from that time had Kings but were govern'd by Earls of whom Osulf was the first About this time Wulstan An. Dom. 953 Archbishop of York accus'd to have slain certain men of Thetford in revenge of thir Abbot whom the Townsmen had slain was committed by the King to close Custody but soon after enlarg'd was restor'd to his place Malmsbury writes that his crime was to have conniv'd at the revolt of his Countrymen but An. Dom. 955 King Edred two years after sick'ning in the flowr of his youth dy'd much lamented and was buried at Winchester Edwi EDwi the Son of Edmund now come to Age after his Uncle Edred's Death took on him the Goverment and was Crown'd at Kingston His lovely person sirnam'd him the Fair his actions are diversly reported by Huntingdon not thought illaudable But Malnisbury and such as follow him write far otherwise that he married or kept as Concubine his neer Kinswoman some say both her and her Daughter so inordinatly giv'n to his pleasure that on the very day of his Coronation he abruptly withdrew himself from the Company of his Peers whether in Banquet or Consultation to sit wantoning in the Chamber with this Algiva so was her name who had such power over him Wherat his Barons offended sent Bishop Dunstan the boldest among them to request his return he going to the Chamber not only interrupted his dalliance and rebuk'd the Lady but takeing him by the hand between force and persuasion brought him back to his Nobles The King highly displeas'd and instigated perhaps An. Dom. 956 by her who was so prevalent with him not long after sent Dunstan into banishment caus'd his Monastery to be rifl'd and became an Enemy to all Monks Wherupon Odo Archbishop of Canterbury pronounc't a separation or divorce of the King from Algiva But that which most incited William of Malmsbury against him he gave that Monastery to be dwelt in by secular Preists or to use his own phrase made it a stable of Clerks at length these affronts done to the Church were so resented by the people that the Mercians and Northumbrians revolted from him and set up Edgar his Brother leaving to Edwi the An. Dom. 957 An. Dom. 958 West-Saxons only bounded by the River Thames with greif wherof as is thought he soon after ended his daies and was buried at Winchester Mean while Elfsin Bishop of that place after the Death of Odo ascending by Simony to the Chair of Canterbury and going to Rome the same year for his Pall was froz'n to Death in the Alps. Edgar Edgar by his Brothers Death now King of all England at 16 years of Age call'd home Dunstan An. Dom. 959 out of Flanders where he liv'd in exile This King had no War all his Reign yet allways well prepar'd for War govern'd the Kingdom in great Peace Honour and Prosperity gaining thence the Sirname of Peaceable much extoll'd for Justice Clemency and all Kingly Vertues the more ye may be sure by Monks for his building so many Monasteries as some write every year one for he much favour'd the Monks against secular Preists who in the time of Edwi had got possession in most of thir Covents His care and wisdome was great in guarding the Coast round with stout ships to the number of 3600 Mat. West reck'ns them 4800 divided into fowr Squadrons to sail to and fro on the fowr quarters of the land meeting each other the first of 1200 sail from East to West the second of as many from West to East the third and fowrth between North and South himself in the Summer time with his Fleet. Thus he kept out wisely the force of Strangers and prevented Forein War but by thir too frequent resort hither in time of peace and his too much favouring them he let in thir vices unaware Thence the people saith Malmsbury learnt of the out-landish Saxons rudeness of the Flemish daintiness and softness of the Danes Drunk'ness though I doubt these vices are as naturally home-bred heer as in any of those Countries Yet in the Winter and Spring time he usually rode the Circuit as a Judge Itinerant through all his Provinces to see justice well administerd and the poor not oppress'd Theeves and Robbers he rooted almost out of the Land and wild Beasts of prey altogether enjoining Ludwal King of Wales to pay the yearly tribute of 300 Wolves which he did for two years together till the third year no more were to be found nor ever after but his Laws may be read yet extant Whatever was the cause he was not Crown'd till the 30. of his Age but then with great An. Dom. 973 An. Dom. 974 splendor and magnificence at the City of Bath in the Feast of Pentecost This year dy'd Swarling a Monk of Croyland the 142. year of his Age and another soon after him in the 115th in the Fenn and watrish air the more remarkable King Edgar the next year went to Chester and summoning to his Court there all the Kings that held of him took homage of them thir names are Kened King of Scots Malcolm of Cumberland Maccuse of the Iles five of Wales Duswal Huwal Grifith Jacob Judethil these he had in such aw that going one day into a Gally he caus'd them to take each man his Oar and row him down the River Dee while he himself sat at the Stern which might be done in meriment and easily obei'd if with a serious brow discoverd rather vain glory and insulting haughtiness then
Gospatric a noble man of that Country to be treacherously slain in the Kings Court and that Tosti himself the year before with like treachery had caus'd to be slain in his Chamber Gamel and Vls two other of thir noble men besides his intolerable exactions and oppressions Then in a manner the whole Country coming up to complain of their grievances met with Harold at Northampton whom the King at Tosti's request had sent to pacifie the Northumbrians but they laying op'n the cruelty of his Government and thir own birth-right of freedom not to endure the tyranny of any Governour whatsoever with absolute refusal to admit him again and Harold hearing reason all the complices of Tosti were expell'd the Earldom He himself banish't the Realm went in Flanders Morcar the Son of Algar made Earl in his stead Huntingdon tells another cause of Tosti's banishment that one day at Windsor while Harold reach'd the Cup to King Edward Tosti envying to see his younger Brother in greater favour then himself could not forbear to run furiously upon him and catching hold of his Hair the scuflle was soon parted by other attendants rushing between and Tosti forbidd'n the Court He with continu'd fury rideing to Hereford where Harold had many Servants preparing an entertainment for the King came to the House and set upon them with his followers then lopping off Hands Armes Legs of some Heads of others threw them into Butts of Wine Meath or Ale which were laid in for the Kings drinking and at his going away charg'd them to send him this word that of other fresh meats he might bring with him to his Farm what he pleas'd but of Sowce he should find plenty provided ready for him that for this barbarous Act the King pronounc't him banish'd that the Northumbrians taking advantage at the Kings displeasure and sentence against him rose also to be reveng'd of his cruelties done to themselves but this no way agrees for why then should Harold or the King so much labour with the Northumbrians to re-admit him if he were a banish'd man for his Crimes done before About this time it happ'nd that Harold putting to Sea one day for his pleasure in a Fisher Boat from his Mannor at Boseham in Sussex caught with a Tempest too far off land was carried into Normandy and by the Earl of Pontiew on whose Coast he was driv'n at his own request brought to Duke William who entertaining him with great courtesie so far won him as to promise the Duke by Oath of his own accord not only the Castle of Dover then in his tenure but the Kingdome also after King Edwards Death to his utmost endeavour therupon betrothing the Dukes Daughter then too young for marriage and departing richly presented Others say that King Edward himself after the Death of Edward his Nephew sent Harold thether on purpose to acquaint Duke William with his intention to bequeath him his Kingdom but Malmsbury accounts the former story to be the truer Ingulf writes that King Edward now grown old and perceaving Edgar his Nephew both in body and mind unfit to govern especially against the pride and insolence of Godwins Sons who would never obey him Duke William on the other side of high merit and his Kinsman by the Mother had sent Robert Archbishop of Canterbury to acquaint the Duke of his purpose not long before Harold came thether The former part may be true that King Edward upon such considerations had sent one or other but Arch-bishop Robert was fled the land and dead many years before Eadmer and Simeon write that Harold went of his own accord into Normandy by the Kings permission or connivence to get free his Brother Wulnod and Nephew Hacun the Son of Swane whom the King had tak'n hostages of Godwin and sent into Normandy that King Edward foretold Harold his journey thether would be to the detriment of all England and his own reproach that Duke William then acquainted Harold how Edward ere his coming to the Crown had promisd if ever he attain'd it to leave Duke William Successor after him Last of these Mathew Paris writes that Harold to get free of Duke William affirm'd his coming thether not to have been by accident or force of Tempest but on set purpose in that privat manner to enter with him into secret confederacie so variously are these things reported After this King Edward An. Dom. 1066 grew sickly yet as he was able kept his Christmas at London and was at the Dedication of St. Peters Church in Westminster which he had rebuilt but on the Eve of Epiphanie or Twelftide deceas'd much lamented and in the Church was Entoomb'd That he was harmless and simple is conjecturd by his words in anger to a Peasant who had cross'd his Game for with Hunting and Hawking he was much delighted by God and Gods Mother said hee I shall do you as shrew'd a turn if I can observing that Law-Maxim the best of all his Successors that the King of England can do no wrong The softness of his Nature gave growth to factions of those about him Normans especially and English these complaining that Robert the Archbishop was a sower of dissention between the King and his people a traducer of the English the other side that Godwin and his Sons bore themselves arrogantly and proudly towards the King usurping to themselves equall share in the Government oft-times making sport with his simplicity that through thir power in the land they made no scruple to kill men of whose inheritance they took a likeing and so to take possession The truth is that Godwin and his Sons did many things boistrously and violently much against the Kings minde which not able to resist he had as some say his Wife Edith Godwins Daughter in such aversation as in bed never to have touch'd her whether for this cause or mistak'n Chastitie not commendable to enquire further is not material His Laws held good and just and long after desir'd by the English of thir Norman Kings are yet extant He is said to be at Table not excessive at Festivals nothing puft up with the costly Robes he wore which his Queen with curious Art had woven for him in Gold He was full of Alms-deeds and exhorted the Monks to like Charitie He is said to be the first of English Kings that cur'd the Disease call'd thence the Kings Evil yet Malmsbury blames them who attribute that Cure to his Royaltie not to his Sanctitie said also to have cur'd certain blinde men with the water wherin he had wash'd his hands A little before his Death lying speechless two days the third day after a deep sleep he was heard to pray that if it were a true Vision not an Illusion which he had seen God would give him strength to utter it otherwise not Then he related how he had seen two devout Monks whom he knew in Normandy to have liv'd and dy'd well who appearing told him
Bridge a long hour against the whole English Army with his single resistance delai'd thir Victorie and scorning offerd life till in the end no man dareing to graple with him either dreaded as too strong or contemn'd as one desperate he was at length shot dead with an Arrow and by his fall op'nd the passage of persuit to a compleat Victorie Wherwith Harold lifted up in minde and forgetting now his former shews of popularitie defrauded his Souldiers thir due and well deserved share of the spoils While these things thus past in Northumberland Duke William lay still at St. Valerie his Ships were readie but the wind serv'd not for many days which put the Souldierie into much discouragement and murmur taking this for an unlucky sign of thir success at last the wind came favourable the Duke first under sail awaited the rest at Anchor till all coming forth the whole Fleet of 900 Ships with a prosperous gale arriv'd at Hastings At his going out of the Boat by a slip falling on his hands to correct the Omen a Souldier standing by said aloud that thir Duke had tak'n possession of England Landed he restrein'd his Army from wast and spoil saying that they ought to spare what was thir own But these are things related of Alexander and Caesar and I doubt thence borrow'd by the Monks to inlay thir story The Duke for 15 days after landing kept his men quiet within the Camp having tak'n the Castle of Hastings or built a Fortress there Harold secure the while and proud of his new Victorie thought all his Enemies now under foot but sitting jollily at dinner news is brought him that Duke William of Normandy with a great multitude of Horse and Foot Slingers and Archers besides other choice Auxiliaries which he had hir'd in France was arriv'd at Pevensey Harold who had expected him all the Summer but not so late in the year as now it was for it was October with his Forces much diminish't after two sore conflicts and the departing of many others from him discontented in great hast marches to London Thence not tarrying for supplies which were on thir way towards him hurries into Sussex for he was always in hast since the day of his Coronation and ere the third part of his Army could be well put in order findes the Duke about 9 mile from Hastings and now drawing nigh sent spies before him to survey the strength and number of his Enemies them discoverd such the Duke causing to be led about and after well fill'd with meat and drink sent back They not over-wise brought word that the Dukes Army were most of them Priests for they saw thir faces all over shav'n the English then useing to let grow on thir upper-lip large Mustachio's as did antiently the Britans The King laughing answerd that they were not Priests but valiant and hardy Souldiers Therefore said Girtha his Brother a youth of noble courage and understanding above his Age Forbear thou thy self to fight who art obnoxious to Duke William by Oath let us unsworn undergo the hazard of Battel who may justly fight in the defence of our Country thou reserv'd to fitter time maist either reunite us flying or revenge us dead The King not hark'ning to this least it might seem to argue fear in him or a bad cause with like resolution rejected the offers of Duke William sent to him by a Monk before the Battel with this only answer hastily deliverd let God judge between us The offers were these that Harold would either lay down the Scepter or hold it of him or try his title with him by single Combate in the sight of both Armies or referr it to the Pope These rejected both sides prepar'd to fight the next morning the English from singing and drinking all night the Normans from confession of thir sins and communion of the host The English were in a streit disadvantagious place so that many discourag'd with thir ill ordering scarse having room where to stand slip'd away before the onset the rest in close order with thir Battel-Axes and Shields made an impenetrable Squadron the King himself with his Brothers on foot stood by the Royal Standard wherin the figure of a man fighting was inwov'n with gold and pretious Stones The Norman Foot most Bowmen made the formost Front on either side Wings of Horse somewhat behind The Duke Arming and his Corslet giv'n him on the wrong side said pleasantly the strength of my Dukedom will be turn'd now into a Kingdom Then the whole Army singing the Song of Rowland the remembrance of whose exploits might hart'n them imploring lastly Divine help the Battel began and was fought sorely on either side but the main body of English Foot by no means would be brok'n till the Duke causing his men to feign flight drew them out with desire of pursuit into op'n disorder then turn'd suddenly upon them so routed by themselves which wrought thir overthrow yet so they dy'd not unmanfully but turning oft upon thir Enemies by the advantage of an upper ground beat them down by heaps and fill'd up a great Ditch with thir Carcasses Thus hung the Victory wavering on either side from the third hour of day to Evening when Harold having maintain'd the fight with unspeakable courage and personal valour shot into the head with an Arrow fell at length and left his Souldiers without heart longer to withstand the unwearied Enemy With Harold fell also his two Brothers Leofwin and Girtha with them greatest part of the English Nobility His Body lying dead a Knight or Souldier wounding on the thigh was by the Duke presently turn'd out of military service Of Normans and French were slain no small number the Duke himself also that day not a little hazarded his person having had three choice Horses kill'd under him Victory obtain'd and his dead carefully buried the English also by permission he sent the body of Harold to his mother without ransom though she offerd very much to redeem it which having receav'd she buried at Waltham in a Church built there by Harold In the mean while Edwin and Morcar who had withdrawn themselves from Harold hearing of his Death came to London sending Aldgith the Queen thir Sister with all speed to West-Chester Aldred Archbishop of York and many of the Nobles with the Londoners would have set up Edgar the right Heir and prepar'd themselves to fight for him but Morcar and Edwin not likeing the choice who each of them expected to have been chos'n before him withdrew thir Forces and return'd home Duke William contrary to his former resolution if Florent of Worster and they who follow him say true wasting burning and slaying all in his way or rather as saith Malmsbury not in hostile but in regal manner came up to London met at Barcham by Edgar with the Nobles Bishops Citizens and at length Edwin and Morcar who all submitted to him gave hostages and swore fidelity he to
stopping promis'd he would And the other laying his right hand on Edwins head when this sign saith he shall next befall yee remember this time of night and this discourse to perform what thou hast promis'd and with these words disappeering left Edwin much reviv'd but not less fill'd with wonder who this unknown should be When suddenly the friend who had bin gon all this while to list'n furder what was like to be decree'd of Edwin comes back and joyfully bids him rise to his repose for that the Kings mind though for a while drawn aside was now fully resolv'd not only not to betray him but to defend him against all Enemies as he had promis'd This was said to be the cause why Edwin admonish't by the Bishop of a sign which had befaln him so strangely and as he thought so secretly arose to him with that reverence and amazement as to one sent from Heav'n to claim that promise of him which he perceav'd well was due to a Divinepower that had assisted him in his troubles To Paulinus therefore he makes answer that the Christian Beleef he himself ought by promise and intended to receave but would conferr first with his Cheif Peers and Counsellers that if they likewise could be won all at once might be baptiz'd They therfore being ask'd in Counsel what thir opinion was concerning this new Doctrine and well perceaving which way the King enclin'd every one thereafter shap'd his reply The Cheif-Preist speaking first discover'd an old grudge he had against his Gods for advancing others in the Kings Favour above him thir Cheif Preist another hiding his Court-compliance with a grave sentence commended the choise of certain before uncertain upon due examination to like purpose answer'd all the rest of his Sages none op'nly dissenting from what was likely to be the Kings Creed wheras the preaching of Paulinus could work no such effect upon them toiling till that time without success Whereupon Edwin renouncing Heathenism became Christian and the Pagan Preist offring himself freely to demolish the Altars of his former Gods made some amends for his teaching to adore them An. Dom. 627 With Edwin his two Sons Osfrid and Eanfrid born to him by Quenburga Daughter as saith Beda of Kearle King of Mercia in the time of his banishment and with them most of the people both Nobles and Commons easily converted were baptiz'd he with his whole Family at York in a Church hastily built up of Wood the multitude most part in Rivers Northumberland thus christ'nd Paulinus crossing Humber converted also the Province of Lindsey and Blecca the Governour of Lincoln with his Houshold and most of that City wherin he built a Church of Stone curiously wrought but of small continuance for the Roof in Bedas time uncertain whether by neglect or Enemies was down the Walls only standing Mean while in Mercia Kearle a Kinsman of Wibba saith Huntingdon not a Son having long withheld the Kingdome from Penda Wibba's Son left it now at length to the fiftieth year of his Age with whom Kinegils and Cuichelm the West-Saxon Kings An. Dom. 629 two year after having by that time it seems recover'd strength since the Inrode made upon them by Edwin fought at Cirencester then made Truce But Edwin seeking every way to propagate the Faith which with so much deliberation he had receav'd persuaded Eorpwald the Son of Redwald King of East-Angles to imbrace the same beleef An. Dom. 632 willingly or in aw is not known retaining under Edwin the name only of a King But Eorpwald not long surviv'd his conversion slain in fight by Ricbert a Pagan wherby the people having lightly follow'd the Religion of thir King as lightly fell back to thir old superstitions for above 3 years after Edwin in the mean while to his Faith adding vertue by the due administration of justice wrought such peace over all his Territories that from Sea to Sea man or woman might have travail'd in safety His care also was of Fountains by the way side to make them fittest for the use of Travellers And not unmindful of regal State whether in War or Peace he had a Royal Banner carried before him But having reign'd with much honour 17 years he was at length by Kedwalla or Cadwallon King of the Britans who with aid of the Mercian Penda had rebell'd against him slain in a Battel with his Son Osfrid at a place call'd Hethseild and his whole Army overthrown or disperst in the year 633. and the 47th of his Age An. Dom. 633 in the Eye of man worthy a more peacefull end His Head brought to York was there buried in the Church by him begun Sad was this overthrow both to Church and State of the Northumbrians for Penda being a Heathen and the British King though in name a Christian yet in deeds more bloody then the Pagan nothing was omitted of barbarous cruelty in the slaughter of Sex or Age Kedwalla threatning to root out the whole Nation though then newly Christian For the Britans and as Beda saith eev'n to his dayes accounted Saxon Christianity no better then Paganism and with them held as little Communion From these calamities no refuge being left but flight Paulinus taking with him Ethilburga the Queen and her Children aided by Bassus one of Edwins Captains made escape by Sea to Eadbald King of Kent who receaving his Sister with all kindness made Paulinus Bishop of Rochester where he ended his days After Edwin the Kingdom of Northumberland became divided as before each rightfull Heir seising his part in Deira Osric the Son of Elfric Edwins Uncle by profession a Christian and baptiz'd by Paulinus in Bernicia Eanfrid the Son of Ethelfrid who all the time of Edwin with his Brother Oswald and many of the young Nobility liv'd in Scotland exil'd and had bin there taught and baptiz'd No sooner had they gott'n each a Kingdom but both turn'd recreant sliding back into their old Religion and both were the same year slain Osric by a sudden eruption of Kedwalla whom he in a strong Town had unadvisedly beseig'd Eanfrid seeking peace and inconsideratly with a few surrendring himself Kedwalla now rang'd at will through both those Provinces useing cruelly his Conquest when Oswald the Brother of Eanfrid with a small but Christian Army An. Dom. 634 unexpectedly coming on defeated and destroy'd both him and his huge Forces which he boasted to be invincible by a little River running into Tine neer the antient Roman Wall then call'd Denisburn the place afterwards Heav'n field from the Cross reported miraculous for Cures which Oswald there erected before the Battail in tok'n of his Faith against the great number of his Enemies Obtaining the Kingdom he took care to instruct again the people in Christianity Sending therfore to the Scotish Elders Beda so terms them among whom he had receav'd Baptism requested of them som faithfull Teacher who might again settle Religion in his Realm which the late troubles had
impar'd they as readily hearkning to his request send Aidan a Scotch Monk and Bishop but of singular zeal and meekness with others to assist him whom at thir own desire he seated in Lindisfarne as the Episcopal Seat now Holy Iland and being the Son of Ethelfrid by the Sister of Edwin as right Heir others failing easily reduc'd both Kingdoms of Northumberland as before into one nor of Edwins Dominion lost any part but enlarg'd it rather over all the fowr British Nations Angles Britans Picts and Scots exerciseing regall Authority Of his Devotion Humility and Almes-deeds much is spok'n that he disdain'd not to be the interpreter of Aidan preaching in Scotch or bad English to his Nobles and Houshold Servants and had the poor continually serv'd at his Gate after the promiscuous manner of those times his meaning might be upright but the manner more antient of privat or of Church contribution is doubtless more Evangelical About this time the West-Saxons An. Dom. 635 antiently call'd Gevissi by the preaching of Berinus a Bishop whom Pope Honorius had sent were converted to the Faith with Kinegils thir King him Oswald receav'd out of the Font An. Dom. 636 and his Daughter in mariage The next year Cuichelm was baptiz'd in Dorchester but liv'd not to the years end The East-Angles also this year were reclaim'd to the Faith of Christ which for som years past they had thrown off But Sigbert the Brother of Eorpwald now succeeded in that Kingdom prais'd for a most Christian and Learned Man who while his Brother yet reign'd living in France an exile for some displeasure conceav'd against him by Redwald his Father lern'd there the Christian Faith and reigning soon after in the same instructed his people by the preaching of Felix a Burgundian Bishop An. Dom. 640 In the year 640. Eadbald deceasing left to Ercombert his Son by Emma the French Kings Daughter the Kingdom of Kent recorded the first of English Kings who commanded through his limits the destroying of Idols laudably if all Idols without exception and the first to have establisht Lent among us under strict penalty not worth remembring but only to inform us that no Lent was observ'd heer till his time by compulsion especially being noted by some to have fraudulently usurp'd upon his Elder Brother Ermenred whose right was precedent to the Crown An. Dom. 642 Oswald having reign'd 8 years worthy also as might seem of longer life fell into the same fate with Edwin and from the same hand in a great Battel overcom and slain by Penda at a place call'd Maserfeild now Oswestre in Shropshire miraculous as saith Beda after his Death His Brother Oswi succeeded him reigning though in much trouble 28 years oppos'd either by Penda or his own Son Alfred or his Brothers Son Ethilwald An. Dom. 643 Next year Kinegils the West-Saxon dying left his Son Kenwalk in his stead though as yet unconverted About this time Sigebert King of East-Angles having lernt in France ere his coming to Reign the manner of thir Schools with the assistance of some Teachers out of Kent instituted a School heer after the same Discipline thought to be the University of Cambridge then first founded and at length weary of his Kingly Office betook him to a Monastical life commending the care of Government to his Kinsman Egric who had sustain'd with him part of that burden before It happen'd some years after that Penda made War on the East-Angles they expecting a sharp encounter besought Sigebert whom they esteem'd an expert Leader with his presence to confirm the Souldiery and him refuseing carried by force out of the Monastery into the Camp where acting the Monk rather then the Captain with a single wand in his hand he was slain with Egric and his whole Army put to flight Anna of the Royal Stock as next in right succeeded and hath the praise of a vertuous and most Christian Prince An. Dom. 645 But Kenwalk the West-Saxon having maried the Daughter of Penda and divorc't her was by him with more appearance of a just cause vanquisht in fight and depriv'd of his Crown whence retiring to Anna King of the East-Angles after three years abode in his Court he there became Christian An. Dom. 648 and afterwards regain'd his Kingdom Oswi in the former years of his Reign had sharer with him Oswin Nephew of Edwin who rul'd in Deira 7 years commended much for his zeal in Religion and for comliness of person with other princely qualities belov'd of all Notwithstanding which dissentions growing between them it came to Armes Oswin seeing himself much exceeded in numbers thought it more prudence dismissing his Army to reserve himself for some better occasion But committing his person with one faithfull attendant to the Loyalty of Hunwald an Earl his imagin'd friend he was by him treacherously discoverd and by command of Oswi slain An. Dom. 651 After whom within 12 days and for greif of him whose death he foretold dy'd Bishop Aidan famous for his Charity meekness and labour in the Gospel The fact of Oswi was detestable to all which therfore to expiate a Monastery was built in the place where it was don and Prayers there daily offerd up for the Souls of both Kings the slain and the slayer Kenwalk by this time reinstall'd in his Kingdom kept it long but with various Fortune for Beda relates him oft-times afflicted by his Enemies with great losses An. Dom. 652 and in 652. by the Annals fought a Battel Civil War Ethelwerd calls it at Bradanford by the River Afene against whom and for what cause or who had the Victory they write not Camden names the place Bradford in Wiltshire by the River Avon and Cuthred his neer Kinsman against whom he fought but cites no Autority certain it is that Kenwalk fowr years before had giv'n large possessions to his Nephew Cuthred the more unlikely therefore now to have rebell'd An. Dom. 653 The next year Peada whom his Father Penda though a Heathen had for his Princely Vertues made Prince of Middle-Angles belonging to the Mercians was with that people converted to the Faith For coming to Oswi with request to have in mariage Alfâ—eda his Daughter he was deni'd her but on condition that he with all his people should receave Christianity Heering therefore not unwillingly what was preach't to him of Resurrection and Eternal life much persuaded also by Alfrid the Kings Son who had his Sister Kyniburg to Wife he easily assented for the truths sake only as he profess'd whether he obtain'd the Virgin or no and was baptiz'd with all his followers Returning he took with him fowr Presbyters to teach the people of his Province who by thir daily preaching won many Neither did Penda though himself no Beleever prohibit any in his Kingdome to heer to beleeve the Gospel but rather hated and despis'd those who professing to beleeve atested not thir Faith by good works condemning them for
miserable and justly to be despis'd who obey not that God in whom they choose to beleeve How well might Penda this Heathen rise up in judgment against many pretending Christians both of his own and these daies yet being a man bred up to War as no less were others then reigning and oft-times one against another though both Christians he warr'd on Anna An. Dom. 654 King of the East-Angles perhaps without cause for Anna was esteem'd a just man and at length slew him About this time the East-Saxons who as above hath bin said had expell'd thir Bishop Mellitus and renounc'd the Faith were by the means of Oswi thus reconverted Sigebert surnam'd the small being the Son of Seward without other memory of his Reign left his Son King of that Province after him Sigebert the Second who coming oft'n to visit Oswi his great friend was by him at several times fervently disuaded from Idolatry and convinc't at length to forsake it was there baptiz'd on his return home taking with him Kedda a laborious Preacher afterwards made Bishop by whose teaching with some help of others the people were again recoverd from misbeleef But Sigebert some years after though standing fast in Religion was by the Conspiracy of two Brethren in place neer about him wickedly murder'd who being ask'd what mov'd them to do a deed so hainous gave no other then this barbarous answer that they were angry with him for being so gentle to his Enemies as to forgive them thir injuries whenever they besought him Yet his Death seems to have happ'nd not without some cause by him giv'n of Divine displeasure For one of those Earls who slew him living in unlawfull wedlock and therfore excommunicated so severely by the Bishop that no man might presume to enter into his House much less to sit at meat with him the King not regarding this Church censure went to feast with him at his invitation Whom the Bishop meeting in his return though penitent for what he had don and faln at his feet touch'd with the rod in his hand and angerly thus foretold because thou hast neglected to abstain from the House of that Excommunicate in that House thou shalt die and so it fell out perhaps from that prediction God bearing witness to his Minister in the power of Church Discipline spiritually executed not juridically on the contemner therof An. Dom. 655 This year 655. prov'd fortunate to Oswi and fatal to Penda for Oswi by the continual inrodes of Penda having long endur'd much devastation to the endangering once by assault and fire Bebbanburg his strongest City now Bamborrow Castle unable to resist him with many rich presents offerd to buy his Peace Which not accepted by the Pagan who intended nothing but destruction to that King though more then once in affinity with him turning guifts into vows he implores Divine Assistance devoting if he were deliverd from his Enemy a Child of one year old his Daughter to be a Nun and 12 portions of land wheron to build Monasteries His vows as may be thought found better success then his profferd guifts for heerupon with his Son Alfrid gathering a small power he encounterd and discomfited the Mercians 30 times exceeding his in number and led on by expert Captains at a place call'd Loyden now Leeds in Yorkeshire Besides this Ethelwald the Son of Oswald who rul'd in Deira took part with the Mercians but in the fight withdrew his Forces and in a safe place expected the event with which unseasonable retreat the Mercians perhaps terrifi'd and misdoubting more danger fled thir Commanders with Penda himself most being slain among whom Edilhere the Brother of Anna who rul'd after him the East-Angles and was the Author of this War many more flying were drown'd in the River which Beda calls Winwed then swoln above her Banks The Death of Penda who had bin the Death of so many good Kings made generall rejoicing as the Song witness'd At the River Winwed Anna was aveng'd To Edelhere succeeded Ethelwald his Brother in the East-Angles to Sigebert in the East-Saxons Suidhelm the Son of Sexbald saith Bede the Brother of Sigebert saith Malmsbury he was baptiz'd by Kedda then residing in the East-Angles and by Ethelwald the King receav'd out of the Font. But Oswi in the strength of his late Victory An. Dom. 658 within three years after subdu'd all Mercia and of the Pictish Nation greatest part at which time he gave to Peada his Son in Law the Kingdome of South-Mercia divided from the Northern by Trent An. Dom. 659 But Peada the Spring following as was said by the Treason of his Wife the Daughter of Oswi married by him for a special Christian on the Feast of Faster not protected by the holy time was slain The Mercian Nobles Immin Eaba and Eadbert throwing off the Government of Oswi set up Wulser the other Son of Penda to be thir King whom till then they had kept hid and with him adherd to the Christian Faith Kenwalk the West-Saxon now settl'd at home and desirous to enlarge his Dominion prepares against the Britans joins Battel with them at Pen in Somerset-shire and over coming persues them to Pedridan Another fight he had with them before at a place call'd Witgeornesburg barely mention'd by the Monk of Malmsbury An. Dom. 661 Nor was it long ere he fell at variance with Wulser the Son of Penda his old Enemy scarce yet warm in his Throne fought with him at Possentesburg on the Easter Holy-days and as Ethelwerd saith took him Prisner but the Saxon Annals quite otherwise that Wulfer winning the field wasted the West-Saxon Country as far as Eskesdun nor staying there took and wasted the I le of Wight but causing the Inhabitants to be baptiz'd till then unbeleevers gave the Iland to Ethelwald King of South-Saxons whom he had receav'd out of the Font. An. Dom. 664 The year 664. a Synod of Scotish and English Bishops in the presence of Oswi and Alfred his Son was held at a Monastery in those parts to debate on what Day Easter should be kept a controverfie which long before had disturb'd the Greek and Latin Churches wherin the Scots not agreeing with the way of Rome nor yeilding to the disputants on that side to whom the King most enclin'd such as were Bishops heer resign'd and return'd home with thir Disciples Another clerical question was there also much controverted not so superstitious in my opinion as ridiculous about the right shaving of crowns The same year was seen an Eclips of the Sun in May followed by a sore pestilence beginning in the South but spreading to the North and over all Ireland with great mortality In which time the East-Saxons after Swithelms Decease being govern'd by Siger the Son of Sigebert the small and Sebbi of Seward though both subject to the Mercians Siger and his people unstedie of Faith supposing that this Plague was come upon them for renouncing
out of the Province till both by fire and Sword he had aveng'd the Death of his Brother An. Dom. 687 At length Victred the Son of Ecbert attaining the Kingdome both settl'd at home all things in peace and secur'd his Borders from all outward Hostility While thus Kedwalla disquieted both West and East after his winning the Crown Ecfrid the Northumbrian and Ethelred the Mercian fought a sore Battel by the River Trent wherin Elswin Brother to Ecfrid a youth of 18 years much belov'd was slain and the accident likely to occasion much more sheding of blood peace was happily made by the grave exhortation of Archbishop Theodore a pecuniary fine only paid to Ecfrid as some satisfaction for the loss of his Brothers life Another adversity befell Ecfrid in his Family by means of Ethildrith his Wife King Anna's Daughter who having tak'n him for hir Husband and professing to love him above all other men persisted twelve years in the obstinat refusal of his bed therby thinking to live the purer life So perversly then was chastity instructed against the Apostles rule At length obtaining of him with much importunity her departure she veild her self a Nun then made Abbess of Ely dy'd 7 years after the pestilence and might with better warrant have kept faithfully her undertak'n Wedlock though now canoniz'd St. Audrey of Ely In the mean while Ecfrid had sent Bertus with a power to subdue Ireland a harmless Nation saith Beda and ever friendly to the English in both which they seem to have left a posterity much unlike them at this day miserably wasted without regard had to places hallow'd or profane they betook them partly to thir Weapons partly to implore divine aid and as was thought obtain'd it in thir full avengement upon Ecfrid For he the next year against the mind and persuasion of his sagest friends and especially of Cudbert a famous Bishop of that Age marching unadvisedly against the Picts who long before had bin subject to Northumberland was by them feigning flight drawn unawares into narrow streights overtopt with Hills and cut off with most of his Army From which time saith Bede military valour began among the Saxons to decay nor only the Picts till then peaceable but some part of the Britans also recover'd by Armes thir liberty for many years after Yet Aldfrid elder but base Brother to Ecfrid a man said to be learned in the Scriptures recall'd from Ireland to which place in his Brothers Reign he had retir'd and now succeeding upheld with much honour though in narrower bounds the residue of his Kingdome Kedwalla having now with great disturbance of his Neighbours reign'd over the West-Saxons two years besides what time he spent in gaining it wearied perhaps with his own turbulence went to Rome desirous there to receave Baptism which till then his worldly affairs had deferr'd and accordingly on Easter Day 689. he was baptiz'd by Sergius An. Dom. 689 the Pope and his name chang'd to Peter All which notwithstanding surpris'd with a Disease he out-liv'd not the Ceremony so far sought much above the space of 5 weeks in the Thirtieth year of his Age and in the Church of St. Peter was there buried with a large Epitaph upon his Tomb. Him succeeded Ina of the Royal Family and from the time of his coming in for many years oppress'd the Land with like greevances as Kedwalla had done before him insomuch that in those times there was no Bishop among them His first expedition was into Kent to demand satisfaction for the burning of Mollo Victred loth to hazard all for the rash act of a few deliver'd up 30 of those that could be found accessory or as others say pacifi'd Ina with a great sum of money Mean while at the incitement of Ecbert a devout Monk Wilbrod a Priest eminent for learning past over Sea having 12 others in Company with intent to preach the Gospel in Germany And coming to â—epin Cheif Regent of the Franks who An. Dom. 694 a little before had conquer'd the hither Frisia by his countnance and protection promise also of many benefits to them who should beleeve they found the work of conversion much the easier and Wilbrod the first Bishoprick in that Nation But two Priests each of them Hewald by name and for distinction surnam'd from the colour of thir Hair the black and the white by his example piously affected to the Souls of thir Country-men the old Saxons at thir coming thether to convert them met with much worse entertainment For in the House of a Farmer who had promis'd to convey them as they desir'd to the Governour of that Country discoverd by thir daily Ceremonies to be Christian Priests and the cause of thir coming suspected they were by him and his Heathen Neighbours cruelly butcherd yet not unaveng'd for the Governour enrag'd at such violence offerd to his Strangers sending Armed Men slew all those Inhabitants and burnt thir Village An. Dom. 697 After three years in Mercia Ostrid the Queen Wife to Ethelred was kill'd by her own Nobles as Beda's Epitomy records Florence calls them Southimbrians negligently omitting the cause of so strange a fact An. Dom. 698 And the year following Bertred a Northumbrian General was slain by the Picts An. Dom. 704 Ethelred 7 years after the violent Death of his Queen put on the Monk and resign'd his Kingdome to Kenred the Son of Wulfer his Brother An. Dom. 705 The next year Aldfrid in Northumberland dy'd leaving Osred a Child of 8 years to succeed him An. Dom. 709 Fowr years after which Kenred having a while with praise govern'd the Mercian Kingdome went to Rome in the time of Pope Constantine and shorn a Monk spent there the residue of his daies Kelred succeeded him the Son of Ethelred who had reign'd the next before With Kenred went Offa the Son of Siger King of East-Saxons and betook him to the same habit leaving his Wife and Native Country a comely Person in the prime of his youth much desir'd of the people and such his vertue by report as might have otherwise bin worthy to have reign'd An. Dom. 710 Ina the West-Saxon one year after fought a Battell at first doubtfull at last successfull against Gerent King of Wales An. Dom. 711 The next year Bertfrid another Northumbrian Captain fought with the Picts and slaughterd them saith Huntingdon to the full avengment of Ecfrids Death An. Dom. 715 The fowrth year after Ina had another doubtfull and cruell Battel at Wodnesburg in Wiltshire with Kelred the Mercian who dy'd the year following a lamentable Death for as he sat one day feasting with his Nobles An. Dom. 716 suddenly possess'd with an evill Spirit he expir'd in despair as Boniface Archbishop of Ments an English man who taxes him for a defiler of Nuns writes by way of caution to Ethelbald his next of Kin who succeeded him Osred also the young Northumbrian King slain by his Kindred in the 11.
of his Reign for his vitious life and incest committed with Nuns was by Kenred fucceeded and aveng'd he reigning two years left Osric in his room An. Dom. 718 In whose 7th year if Beda calculate right Victred King of Kent deceas'd having reign'd 34 years and some part of them with Suebhard as Beda testifies he left behind him three Sons Ethelbert Eadbert and Alric his Heirs An. Dom. 725 Three years after which An. Dom. 728 appear'd two Comets about the Sun terrible to behold the one before him in the Morning the other after him in the Evening for the space of two weeks in January bending thir blaze toward the North at which time the Saracens furiously invaded France but were expell'd soon after with great overthrow The same year in Northumberland Osric dying or slain adopted Kelwulf the Brother of Kenred his Successor to whom Beda dedicates his story but writes this only of him that the beginning and the process of his Reign met with many adverse commotions wherof the event was then doubtfully expected Mean while Ina7 years before having slain Kenwuls to whom Florent gives the addition of Clito giv'n usually to none but of the blood Royal and the 4th year after overthrown and slain Albright another Clito driv'n from Taunton to the South-Saxons for aid vanquish't also the East-Angles in more then one Battel as Malmsbury writes but not the year whether to expiate so much blood or infected with the contagious humour of those times Malmsbury saith at the persuasion of Ethelburga his Wife went to Rome and there ended his dayes yet this praise left behind him to have made good Laws the first of Saxon that remain extant to this day and to his Kinsman Edelard bequeath'd the Crown No less then the whole Monarchy of England and Wales For Ina if we beleeve a digression in the Laws of Edward Confessor was the first King Crown'd of English and British since the Saxons entrance of the British by means of his second Wife some way related to Cadwallader last King of Wales which I had not noted being unlikely but for the place where I found it After Ina by a surer Author An. Dom. 731 Ethelbald King of Mercia commanded all the Provinces on this side Humber with thir Kings the Picts were in league with the English the Scots peaceable within thir bounds and the Britans part were in thir own Goverment part subject to the English In which peacefull state of the land many in Northumberland both Nobles and Commons laying aside the exercise of Armes betook them to the Cloister and not content so to do at home many in the days of Ina Clerks and Laics Men and Woemen hasting to Rome in Herds thought themselves no where sure of Eternal Life till they were Cloisterd there Thus representing the state of things in this Iland Beda surceas'd to write Out of whom cheifly hath bin gatherd since the Saxons arrival such as hath bin deliverd a scatterd story pickt out heer and there with some trouble and tedious work from among his many Legends of Visions and Miracles toward the latter end so bare of civill matters as what can be thence collected may seem a Calendar rather then a History tak'n up for the most part with succession of Kings and computation of years yet those hard to be reconcil'd with the Saxon Annals Thir actions we read of were most commonly Wars but for what cause wag'd or by what Councells carried on no care was had to let us know wherby thir strength and violence we understand of thir wisedom reason or justice little or nothing the rest superstition and monastical affectation Kings one after another leaving thir Kingly Charge to run thir heads fondly into a Monks Cowle which leaves us uncertain whether Beda was wanting to his matter or his matter to him Yet from hence to the Danish Invasion it will be worse with us destitute of Beda Left only to obscure and blockish Chronicles whom Malmsbury and Huntingdon for neither they then we had better Authors of those times ambitious to adorn the History make no scruple oft-times I doubt to interline with conjectures and surmises of thir own them rather then imitate I shall choose to represent the truth naked though as lean as a plain Journal Yet William of Malmsbury must be acknowledg'd both for stile and judgment to be far the best Writer of them all but what labour is to be endur'd turning over Volumes of Rubbish in the rest Florence of Worster Huntingdon Simeon of Durham Hoveden Mathew of Westminster and many others of obscurer note with all thir monachisms is a penance to think Yet these are our only Registers transcribers one after another for the most part and somtimes worthy enough for the things they register This travail rather then not know at once what may be known of our antient story sifted from Fables and impertinences I voluntarily undergo and to save others if they please the like unpleasing labour except those who take pleasure to be all thir life time rakeing in the Foundations of old Abbies and Cathedrals but to my task now as it befalls An. Dom. 733 In the year 733. on the 18th Kalends of September was an Eclipse of the Sun about the third howr of day obscureing almost his whole Orb as with a black sheild Ethelbald of Mercia beseig'd and took the Castle or Town of Somerton An. Dom. 735 and two years after Beda our Historian dy'd some say the year before An. Dom. 738 Kelwulf in Northumberland three years after became Monk in Lindisfarne yet none of the severest for he brought those Monks from milk and water to Wine and Ale in which doctrin no doubt but they were soon docil and well might for Kelwulf brought with him good provision great treasure and revenues of land recited by Simeon yet all under pretense of following I use the Authors words poor Christ by voluntary poverty no marvel then if such applause were giv'n by Monkish Writers to Kings turning Monks and much cunning perhaps us'd to allure them To Eadbert his Uncle he left the Kingdom whose brother Ecbert Archbishop of York built a Library there An. Dom. 740 But two years after while Eadbert was busied in War against the Picts Ethelbald the Mercian by foul fraud assaulted part of Northumberland in his absence as the supplement of Beda's Epitomy records In the West-Saxons Edelard who succeeded Ina having bin much molested in the beginning of his Reign with the Rebellion of Oswald his Kinsman who contended with him for the right of succession overcoming at last those troubles dy'd in Peace 741 An. Dom. 741 leaving Cuthred one of the same linage to succeed him who at first had much War with Ethelbald the Mercian and various success but joyning with him in League two years after An. Dom. 743 made War on the Welch Huntingdon doubts not to give them a great Victory An. Dom. 744
And Simeon reports another Battel fought between Britans and Picts the year ensueing Now was the Kingdome of East-Saxons drawing to a Period for Sigeard and Senfred the Sons of Sebbi having reign'd a while and after them young Offa who soon quitted his Kingdome to go to Rome with Kenred as hath been said the Goverment was conferr'd on Selred Son of Sigebert the good who having rul'd 38 years came to a violent death An. Dom. 746 how or wherefore is not set down After whom Swithred was the last King driv'n out by Ecbert the West-Saxon but London with the Countries adjacent obey'd the Mercians till they also were dissolv'd Cuthred had now reign'd about nine years An. Dom. 748 when Kuiric his Son a valiant young Prince was in a military tumult slain by his own Souldiers The same year Eadbert dying in Kent his Brother Edilbert reign'd in his stead An. Dom. 750 But after two years the other Eadbert in Northumberland whose War with the Picts hath bin above-mention'd made now such Progress there as to subdue Kyle so saith the Auctarie of Bede and other Countries thereabout to his dominion While Cuthred the West-Saxon had a fight with Ethelhun one of his Nobles a stout Warrier envi'd by him in some matter of the Common-wealth as far as by the Latin of Ethelward can be understood others interpret it Sedition and with much ado overcoming An. Dom. 752 took Ethelhun for his valour into favour by whom faithfully serv'd in the twelf or thirteenth of his Reign he encounter'd in a set Battell with Ethelbald the Mercian at Beorford now Burford in Oxfordshire An. Dom. 753 one year after against the Welch which was the last but one of his life Huntingdon as his manner is to comment upon the annal Text makes a terrible description of that fight between Cuthred and Ethelbald and the Prowess of Ethelhun at Beorford but so affectedly and therfore suspiciously that I hold it not worth rehersal and both in that and the latter conflict gives Victory to Cuthred after whom Sigebert uncertain by what right An. Dom. 754 his Kinsman saith Florent step'd into the Throne whom hated for his cruelty and other evil doings Kimwulf joining with most of the Nobility dispossess'd of all but Hamshir that Province he lost also within a year An. Dom. 755 together with the love of all those who till then remain'd his adherents by slaying Cumbran one of his Cheif Captains who for a long time had faithfully serv'd and now disuaded him from incensing the people by such Tyrannical practices Thence flying for safety into Andreds Wood forsak'n of all he was at length slain by the Swine-heard of Cumbran in revenge of his Maister and Kinwulf who had undoubted right to the Crown joyfully saluted King An. Dom. 756 The next year Eadbert the Northumbrian joining forces with Vnust King of the Picts as Simeon writes beseig'd and took by surrender the City Alcluith now Dunbritton in Lennox from the Britans of Cumberland and ten days after the whole Army perishd about Niwanbirig but to tell us how he forgetts In Mercia Ethelbald was slain at a place call'd Secandune An. Dom. 757 now Seckinton in Warwickshire the year following in a bloody fight against Cuthred as Huntingdon surmises but Cuthred was dead two years before others write him murder'd in the night by his own Guard and the Treason as some say of Beornred who succeeded him but ere many Months was defeated and slain by Offa. Yet Ethelbald seems not without cause after a long and prosperous Reign to have fall'n by a violent Death not shameing on the vain confidence of his many Alms to commit uncleaness with consecrated Nuns besides Laic Adulteries as the Arch-Bishop of Ments in a letter taxes him and his Predecessor and that by his example most of his Peers did the like which adulterous doings he foretold him were likely to produce a slothfull off-spring good for nothing but to be the ruin of that Kingdome as it fell out not long after An. Dom. 758 The next year Osmund according to Florence ruleing the South-Saxons and Swithred the East Eadbert in Northumberland following the steps of his Predecessor got him into a Monks Hood the more to be wonder'd that having reign'd worthily 21 years with the love and high estimation of all both at home and abroad able still to govern and much entreated by the Kings his Neighbours not to lay down his charge with offer on that condition to yeild up to him part of thir own Dominion he could not be mov'd from his resolution but relinquish'd his Royal Office to Oswulf his Son An. Dom. 759 who at the years end though without just cause was slain by his own Servants And the year after dy'd Ethelbert Son of Victred the second of that name in Kent An. Dom. 762 After Oswulf Ethelwald otherwise call'd Mollo was set up King who in his third year had a great Battel at Eldune by Melros slew Oswin a great Lord rebelling and gain'd the Victory An. Dom. 765 But the third year after fell by the treachery of Alcred who assum'd his place An. Dom. 769 The fowrth year after which Cataracta an antient and fair City in Yorkeshire was burnt by Arnred a certain Tyrant who the same year came to like end An. Dom. 774 And after five years more Alfred the King depos'd and forsak'n of all his people fled with a few first to Bebba a strong City of those parts thence to Kinot King of the Picts Ethelred the Son of Mollo was crown'd in his stead Mean while Offa the Mercian growing powerfull had subdu'd a Neighbouring people by Simeon call'd Hestings and fought successfully this year with Alric King of Kent at a place call'd Occanford the Annals also speak of wondrous Serpents then seen in Sussex Nor had Kinwulf the West-Saxon giv'n small proof of his valour in several Battels against the Welch heretofore An. Dom. 775 but this year 775. meeting with Offa at a place call'd Besington was put to the worse and Offa won the Town for which they contended An. Dom. 778 In Northumberland Ethelred having caus'd three of his Nobles Aldwulf Kinwulf and Ecca treacherously to be slain by two other Peers was himself the next year driv'n into banishment Elfwald the Son of Oswulf succeeding in his place yet not without civil broils An. Dom. 780 for in his second year Osbald and Ethelheard two Noblemen raising Forces against him routed Bearne his General and persueing burnt him at a place call'd Seletune I am sensible how wearisom it may likely be to read of so many bare and reasonless Actions so many names of Kings one after another acting little more then mute persons in a Scene what would it be to have inserted the long Bead-roll of Archbishops Bishops Abbots Abbesses and thir doeings neither to Religion profitable nor to morality swelling my Authors each to
the Altar he fell down immediatly and carried out by his Servants three daies after dy'd Mean while beyond Humber the Danes though much aw'd were not idle Inguald one of thir Kings took possession of Yorke Sitric who some years before had slain Niel his Brother by force took Davenport in Châ—shire and however he defended these doings grew so considerable that Athelstan with great solemnity gave him his Sister Edgith to Wife but he enjoy'd her not long dying ere the years end nor his Sons Anlaf and Guthfert the Kingdome driv'n out the next An. Dom. 927 year by Athelstan not unjustly saith Huntingdon as being first raisers of the War Simeon calls him Gudsrid a British King whom Athelstan this year drove out of his Kingdome and perhaps they were both one the name and time not much differing the place only mistak'n Malmsbury differs in the name also calling him Aldulf a certain Rebel Them also I wish as much mistak'n who write that Athelstan jealous of his younger Brother Edwin's towardly vertues least added to the right of Birth they might some time or other call in question his illegitimate precedence caus'd him to be drown'd in the An. Dom. 933 Sea expos'd some say with one Servant in a rott'n Bark without Sail or Oar where the youth far off land and in rough weather despairing threw himself over-board the Servant more patient got to land and reported the success But this Malmsbury confesses to be sung in old Songs not read in warrantable Authors and Huntingdon speaks as of a sad accident to Athelstan that he lost his Brother Edwin by Sea far the more credible in that Athelstan as is writ'n by all tenderly lov'd and bred up the rest of his Brethren of whom he had no less cause to be jealous And the year following he prosperd better An. Dom. 934 then from so foul a fact passing into Scotland with great Puissance both by Sea and Land and chaceing his Enemies before him by Land as far as Dunseoder and Wertermore by Sea as far as Cathness The cause of this expedition saith Malmsbury was to demand Gudfert the Son of Sitric thether fled though not deny'd at length by Constantine who with Eugenius King of Cumberland at a place call'd Dacor or Dacre in that Shire surrenderd himself and each his Kingdome to Athelstan who brought back with him for hostage the Son of Constantine But Gudfert escaping in the mean while out of Scotland and Constantine exasperated by this invasion perswaded Anlaf the other Son of Sitric then fled into Ireland others write Anlaf King of Ireland and the Iles his An. Dom. 938 Son in law with 615 Ships and the King of Cumberland with other forces to his aid This within fowr years effected they enterd England by Humber and fought with Athelstan at a place call'd Wendune others term it Brunanburg others Bruneford which Ingulf places beyond Humber Camden in Glendale of Northumberland on the Scotch Borders the bloodiest fight say Authors that ever this Iland saw to describe which the Saxon Annalist wont to be sober and succinct whether the same or another writer now labouring under the weight of his Argument and over-charg'd runs on a sudden into such extravagant fansies and metaphors as bare him quite beside the scope of being understood Huntingdon though himself peccant enough in his kind transcribes him word for word as a pastime to his Readers I shall only summe up what of him I can attain in usuall language The Battel was fought eagerly from morning till night some fell of King Edwards old Army try'd in many a Battel before but on the other side great multitudes the rest fled to thir Ships Five Kings and 7 of Anlafs Chief Captains were slain on the place with Froda a Norman Leader Constantine escap'd home but lost his Son in the fight if I understand my Author Anlaf by Sea to Dublin with a small remainder of his great hoast Malmsbury relates this War adding many circumstances after this manner That Anlaf joining with Constantine and the whole power of Scotland besides those which he brought with him out of Ireland came on far Southwards till Athelstan who had retir'd on set purpose to be the surer of his Enimies enclos'd from all succour and retreat met him at Brunesord Anlaf perceaving the valour and resolution of Athelstan and mistrusting his own Forces though numerous resolv'd first to spie in what posture his Enemies lay and imitating perhaps what he heard attempted by King Alfred the Age before in the habit of a Musitian got access by his lute and voice to the Kings tent there playing both the minstrel and the spie then towards Evening dismis't he was observ'd by one who had bin his Souldier and well knew him veiwing earnestly the Kings Tent and what approaches lay about it then in the twilight to depart The Souldier forthwith acquaints the King and by him blam'd for letting go his Enemy answerd that he had giv'n first his military Oath to Anlaf whom if he had betrai'd the King might suspect him of like treasonous minde towards himself which to disprove he advis'd him to remove his Tent a good distance off and so don it happ'nd that a Bishop with his retinue coming that night to the Army pich'd his Tent in the same place from whence the King had remov'd Analf coming by night as he had design'd to assault the Camp and especially the Kings Tent finding there the Bishop in stead flew him with all his followers Athelstan took the Allarm and as it seems was not found so unprovided but that the day now appearing he put his men in order and maintain'd the fight till Evening wherin Constantine himself was slain with five other Kings and twelve Earls the Annals were content with seav'n in the rest not disagreeing Ingulf Abbot of Croyland from the autority of Turketul a principal Leader in this Battel relates it more at large to this effect that Athelstan above a mile distant from the place where execution was done upon the Bishop and his supplies allarm'd at the noise came down by break of day upon Anlaf and his Army over-watch't and wearied now with the slaughter they had made and something out of order yet in two main Battels The King therfore in like manner dividing led the one part consisting most of West Saxons against Anlaf with his Danes and Irish committing the other to his Chancellor Turketul with the Mercians and Londoners against Constantine and his Scots The showr of Arrows and Darts over-pass't both Battells attack'd each other with a close and terrible ingagement for a long space neither side giving ground Till the Chancellor Turketul a man of great stature and strength taking with him a few Londoners of select valour and Singin who led the Worstershire men a Captain of undaunted courage broke into the thickest making his way first through the Picts and Orkeners then through the
subjection These things flowing to his wish he betook him to his Navy from that time still'd and accounted King of England if a Tyrant saith Simeon may be call'd a King The Londoners also sent him hostages and made thir peace for they fear'd his fury Ethelred thus reduc't to narrow compass sent Emma his Queen with his two Sons had by her and all his treasure to Richard the 2d her Brother Duke of Normandy himself with his Danish Fleet abode some while at Greenwich then sailing to the I le of Wight pass'd after Christmas into Normandy where he was honourably receav'd at Roan by the Duke though known to have born himself churlishly and proudly towards Emma his Sister besides his dissolute Company with other women Mean while Swane ceas'd not to exact almost insupportable tribute of the people spoiling them when he listed besides the like did Turkill at Greenwich The next An. Dom. 1014 year beginning Swane sickens and dyes some say terrifi'd and smitt'n by an appearing shape of St. Edmund arm'd whose Church at Bury he had threat'nd to demolish but the authority hereof relies only upon the Legend of St. Edmund After his Death the Danish Army and Fleet made his Son Canute thir King but the Nobility and States of England sent Messengers to Ethelred declareing that they preferr'd none before thir Native Sovran if he would promise to govern them better then he had done and with more Clemency Wherat the King rejoicing sends over his Son Edward with Embassadors to Court both high and low and win thir love promising largly to be thir mild and devoted Lord to consent in all things to thir will follow thir counsel and whatever had been done or spok'n by any man against him freely to pardon if they would loyally restore him to be thir King To this the people cheerfully answer'd and amity was both promisd and confirm'd on both sides An Embassey of Lords is sent to bring back the King honourably he returns in Lent and is joyfully receav'd of the people marches with a strong Army against Canute who having got Horses and joyn'd with the men of Lindsey was preparing to make spoil in the Countries adjoining but by Ethelred unexpectedly coming upon him was soon driv'n to his Ships and his Confederats of Lindsey left to the anger of thir Country-men executed without mercy both by fire and Sword Canute in all hast sailing back to Sandwich took the hostages giv'n to his Father from all parts of England and with slit Noses Ears cropt and hands chop 't off setting them ashore departed into Denmarke Yet the people were not disburd'nd for the King rais'd out of them 30 thousand pound to pay his Fleet of Danes at Greenwich To these evills the Sea in October pass'd his bounds overwhelming many Towns in England and of thir inhabitants many thousands The year following an An. Dom. 1015 Assembly being at Oxford Edric of Streon having invited two Noblemen Sigeferth and Morcar the Sons of Earngrun of Seav'nburg to his Lodging secretly murderd them the King for what cause is unknown seis'd thir Estates and caus'd Algith the Wife of Sigeferth to be kept at Maidulfsburg now Malmsbury whom Edmund the Prince there married against his Fathers minde then went and possesd thir lands making the people there subject to him Mat. West saith that these two were of the Danes who had seated themselves in Northumberland slain by Edric under colour of Treason laid to thir charge They who attended them without tumulting at the Death of thir Maisters were beat'n back and driv'n into a Church and defending themselves were burnt there in the Steeple Mean while Canute returning from Denmarke with a great Navy 200 Ships richly gilded and adorn'd well fraught with Arms and all provision and which Encomium Emmae mentions not two other Kings Lachman of Sweden Olav of Norway arriv'd at Sandwich And as the same Authour then living writes sent out spies to discover what resistance on land was to be expected who return'd with certain report that a great Army of English was in readiness to oppose them Turkill who upon the arrival of these Danish Powers kept faith no longer with the English but joining now with Canute as it were to reingratiate himself after his revolt whether real or complotted councell'd him being yet young not to land but leave to him the management of this first Battel the King assented and he with the Forces which he had brought and part of those which arriv'd with Canute landing to thir wish encounterd the English though double in number at a place call'd Scorastan and was at first beaten back with much loss But at length animating his men with rage only and despair obtain'd a clear Victory which won him great reward and possessions from Canute But of this action no other writer makes mention from Sandwich therefore sailing about to the River Frome and there landing over all Dorset Sommerset and Wiltshire spread wastfull hostility The King lay then sick at Cosham in this County though it may seem strange how he could lie sick there in the midst of his Enemies Howbeit Edmund in one part and Edric of Streon in another rais'd Forces by themselves but so soon as both Armies were united the Traytor Edric being found to practice against the life of Edmund he remov'd with his Army from him whereof the Enemy took great advantage Edric easily enticeing the 40 Ships of Danes to side with him revolted to Canute the West-Saxons also gave pledges and furnished him with Horses By which means the year ensueing An. Dom. 1016 he with Edric the Traytor passing the Thames at Creâ—lad about twelftide enterd into Mercia and especially Warwickshire depopulating all places in thir way Against these Prince Edmund for his hardiness call'd Ironside gather'd an Army but the Mercians refus'd to fight unless Ethelred with the Londoners came to aid them and so every man return'd home After the Festival Edmund gathering another Army besought his Father to come with the Londoners and what force besides he was able they came with great strength gott'n together but being come and in a hopefull way of good success it was told the King that unless he took the better heed some of his own Forces would fall off and betray him The King daunted with this perhaps cunning whisper of the Enemy disbanding his Army returns to London Edmund betook him into Northumberland as some thought to raise fresh Forces but he with Earl Vthred on the one side and Canute with Edric on the other did little else but wast the Provinces Canute to Conquer them Edmund to punish them who stood neuter for which cause Stafford Shropshire and Lestershire felt heavily his hand while Canute who was ruining the more Southern Shires at length march'd into Northumberland which Edmund hearing dismiss'd his Forces and came to London Vthred the Earl hasted back to Northumberland and finding no
to divide the Kingdome this offer pleasing both Armies Edmund was not difficult to consent and the decision was that he as his hereditary Kingdome should rule the West-Saxons and all the South Canute the Mercians and the North. Huntingdon follow'd by Mat. West relates that the Peers on every side wearied out with continuall warfare and not refraining to affirm op'nly that they two who expected to reign singly had most reason to fight singly the Kings were content the Iland was thir lists the Combate Knightly till Knute finding himself too weak began to parle which ended as is said before After which the Londoners bought thir peace of the Danes and permitted them to winter in the City But King Edmund about the Feast of St. Andrew unexpectedly deceas'd at London and was buried neer to Edgar his Grandfather at Glaston The cause of his so sudden death is uncertain common fame saith Malmsbury laies the guilt therof upon Edric who to please Canute allur'd with promise of reward two of the Kings Privy Chamber though at first abhorring the fact to assassinate him at the stool by thrusting a sharp Iron into his hinder parts Huntingdon and Mat. West relate it done at Oxford by the Son of Edric and something vary in the manner not worth recital Edmund dead Canute meaning to reign sole King of England calls to him all the Dukes Barons and Bishops of the Land cunningly demanding of them who were witnesses what agreement was made between him and Edmund dividing the Kingdome whether the Sons and Brothers of Edmund were to govern the West-Saxons after him Canute living they who understood his meaning and fear'd to undergo his anger timorously answerd that Edmund they knew had left no part therof to his Sons or Brethren living or dying but that he intended Canute should be thir Guardian till they came to age of reigning Simeon affirms that for fear or hope of reward they attested what was not true notwithstanding which he put many of them to death not long after Canute or Knute CAnute having thus sounded the Nobility and An. Dom. 1017 by them understood receav'd thir Oath of fealty they the pledge of his bare hand and Oath from the Danish Nobles wherupon the House of Edmund was renounc't and Canute Crown'd Then they enacted that Edwi Brother of Edmund a Prince of great hope should be banish't the Realm But Canute not thinking himself secure while Edwi liv'd consulted with Edric how to make him away who told him of one Ethelward a decay'd Nobleman likeliest to do the work Ethelward sent for and tempted by the King in privat with largest rewards but abhorring in his mind the deed promisd to do it when he saw his opportunity and so still deferr'd it But Edwi afterwards receav'd into favour as a snare was by him or some other of his false freinds Canute contriving it the same year slain Edric also counsel'd him to dispatch Edward and Edmund the Sons of Ironside but the King doubting that the fact would seem too foul done in England sent them to the King of Sweden with like intent but he disdaining the Office sent them for better safety to Solomon King of Hungary where Edmund at length dy'd but Edward married Agatha Daughter to Henry the German Emperour A digression in the Laws of Edward Confessor under the Title of Lex Noricorum saith that this Edward for fear of Canute fled of his own accord to Malesclot King of the Rugians who receav'd him honourably and of that Country gave him a Wife Canute settl'd in his Throne divided the Government of his Kingdom into fowr parts the West-Saxons to himself the East-Angles to Earl Turkill the Mercians to Edric the Northumbrians to Eric then made peace with all Princes round about him and his former Wife being dead in July married Emma the Widow of King Ethelred The Christmas following was an ill Feast to Edric of whose Treason the King having now made use as much as serv'd his turn and fearing himself to be the next betray'd caus'd him to be slain at London in the Palace thrown over the City Wall and there to lie unburied the head of Edric fixt on a pole he commanded to be set on the highest Tower of London as in a double sence he had promis'd him for the murder of King Edmund to exalt him above all the Peers of England Huntingdon Malmsbury and Mat. West write that suspecting the Kings intention to degrade him from his Mercian Dukedome and upbraiding him with his merits the King enrag'd caus'd him to be strangl'd in the room and out at a Window thrown into the Thames Another writes that Eric at the Kings command struck off his head Other great men though without fault as Duke Norman the Son of Leofwin Ethelward Son of Duke Agelmar he put to death at the same time jealous of thir power or familiarity with Edric and notwithstanding peace kept still his Army to maintain which the next An. Dom. 1018 year he squees'd out of the English though now his subjects not his Enemies 72 some say 82 thousand pound besides 15 thousand out of London Mean while great War arose at Carr between Vthred Son of Waldef Earl of Northumberland and Malcolm Son of Kened King of Scots with whom held Eugenius King of Lothian But heer Simeon the relater seems to have committed some mistake having slain Vthred by Canute two years before and set Eric in his place Eric therfore it must needs be not Vthred who manag'd this War against the Scots About which time in a Convention of Danes at Oxford it was agreed on both parties to keep the Laws of Edgar Mat. West saith of Edward the Elder The An. Dom. 1019 next year Canute sail'd into Denmarke and there abode all Winter Huntingdon and Mat. West say he went thether to repress the Swedes and that the night before a Battel to be fought with them Godwin stealing out of the Camp with his English assaulted the Swedes and had got the Victory ere Canute in the morning knew of any fight For which bold enterprise though against Discipline he had the English in more esteem ever after In the Spring An. Dom. 1020 at his return into England he held in the time of Easter a great assembly at Chirchester and the same year was with Turkill the Dane at the dedication of a Church by them built at Assendune in the place of that great Victory which won him the Crown But suspecting his greatness the year following banish'd An. Dom. 1021 An. Dom. 1028 him the Realm and found occasion to do the like by Eric the Northumbrian Earl upon the same jealousie Nor yet content with his Conquest of England though now above ten years enjoy'd he pass'd with 50 Ships into Norway dispossess'd Olave thir King and subdu'd the land first with great summes of money sent the year before to gain him a party then coming with an Army to compell
requests him to sail with him to Sandwich and reconcile him to the King as he had promis'd Beorn mistrusting no evill where he intended good went with him in his Ship attended by three only of his Servants but Swane set upon barbarous cruelty not reconciliation with the King took Beorn now in his power and bound him then coming to Dertmouth slew and buried him in a deep Ditch After which the men of Hastings took six of his Ships and brought them to the King at Sandwich with the other two he escap'd into Flanders there remaining till Aldred Bishop of Worster by earnest mediation wrought his peace with the King About this time King Edward sent to Pope Leo desiring absolution from a vow which he had made in his younger years to take a journey to Rome if God voutsaf'd him to reign in England the Pope dispenc'd with his vow but not without the expence of his journey giv'n to the poor and a Monastery built or re-edifi'd to St. Peter who in a Vision to a Monk as is said chose Westminster which King Edward thereupon rebuilding endow'd with large privileges and revennues The same year saith Florent of Worster certain Irish Pirats with 36 Ships enterd the mouth of Severn and with the aid of Griffin Prince of South-Wales did some hurt in those parts then passing the River Wey burnt Dunedham and slew all the Inhabitants they found Against whom Aldred Bishop of Worster with a few out of Gloster and Herefordshire went out in hast but Griffin to whom the Welch and Irish had privily sent Messengers came down upon the English with his whole power by night and early in the morning suddenly assaulting them slew many and put the rest to flight The next An. Dom. 1051 year but one King Edward remitted the Danish Tax which had continu'd 38 years heavy upon the land since Ethelred first paid it to the Danes and what remain'd therof in his treasury he sent back to the owners but through imprudence laid the foundation of a far worse mischeif to the English while studying gratitude to those Normans who to him in exile had bin helpfull he call'd them over to public Offices heer whom better he might have repaid out of his privat purse by this means exasperating either Nation one against the other and making way by degrees to the Norman Conquest Robert a Monk of that Country who had bin serviceable to him there in time of need he made Bishop first of London then of Canterbury William his Chaplain Bishop of Dorchester Then began the English to lay aside thir own antient Customes and in many things to imitate French manners the great Peers to speak French in thir Houses in French to write thir Bills and Letters as a great peece of Gentility asham'd of thir own a presage of thir subjection shortly to that people whose fashions and language they affected so slavishly But that which gave begining to many troubles ensueing happ'nd this year and upon this occasion Eustace Earl of Boloign Father of the famous Godfrey who won Jerusalem from the Saracens and Husband to Goda the Kings Sister having bin to visit King Edward and returning by Canterbury to take Ship at Dover one of his Harbingers insolently seeking to lodge by force in a House there provok'd so the Master therof as by chance or heat of anger to kill him The Count with his whole train going to the House where his Servant had bin kill'd slew both the slayer and 18 more who defended him But the Townsmen running to Arms requited him with the slaughter of 21 more of his Servants wounded most of the rest hee himself with one or two hardly escapeing ran back with clamour to the King whom seconded by other Norman Courtiers he stirr'd up to great anger against the Citizens of Canterbury Earl Godwin in hast is sent for the cause related and much aggravated by the King against that City the Earl commanded to raise Forces and use the Cittizens therof as Enemies Godwin sorry to see strangers more favour'd of the King then his native people answerd that it were better to summon first the Cheif men of the Town into the Kings Court to charge them with Sedition where both parties might be heard that not found in fault they might be acquitted if otherwise by fine or loss of life might satisfie the King whose peace they had brok'n and the Count whom they had injur'd till this were done refuseing to prosecute with hostile punishment them of his own County unheard whom his Office was rather to defend The King displeas'd with his refusal and not knowing how to compell him appointed an Assembly of all the Peers to be held at Gloster where the matter might be fully try'd the Assembly was full and frequent according to summons but Godwin mistrusting his own cause or the violence of his adversaries with his two Sons Swane and Harold and a great power gatherd out of his own and his Sons Earldomes which contein'd most of the South-East and West parts of England came no furder then Beverstan giving out that thir Forces were to go against the Welch who intended an irruption into Hereford-shire and Swane under that pretence lay with part of his Army thereabout The Welch understanding this device and with all diligence clearing themselves before the King left Godwin detected of false accusation in great hatred to all the Assembly Leofric therfore and Siward Dukes of great power the former in Mercia the other in all parts beyond Humber both ever faithfull to the King send privily with speed to raise the Forces of thir Provinces Which Godwin not knowing sent boldly to King Edward demanding Count Eustace and his followers together with those Boloignians who as Simeon writes held a Castle in the jurisdiction of Canterbury The King as then having but little force at hand entertain'd him a while with treaties and delays till his summond Army drew nigh then rejected his demands Godwin thus match'd commanded his Sons not to begin fight against the King begun with not to give ground The Kings Forces were the flower of those Counties whence they came and eager to fall on But Leofric and the wiser sort detesting civil War brought the matter to this accord that Hostages giv'n on either side the whole cause should be again debated at London Thether the King and Lords coming with thir Army sent to Godwin and his Sons who with thir powers were come as far as Southwarke commanding thir appearance unarm'd with only 12 attendants and that the rest of thir Souldiers they should deliver over to the King They to appear without pledges before an adverse faction deny'd but to dismiss thir Souldiers refus'd not nor in ought else to obey the King as far as might stand with honour and the just regard of thir safety This answer not pleasing the King an edict was presently issu'd forth that Godwin and his Sons
thy advantage that after these words choak't with the morsel tak'n he sunk down and recover'd not His first wife was the sister of Cannute a woman of much infamy for the trade she drove of buying up English Youths and Maids to sell in Denmarke whereof she made great gain but ere long was struck with thunder and dy'd The year ensuing Siward Earl of An. Dom. 1054 Northumberland with a great number of horse and foot attended also by a strong fleet at the Kings appointment made an expedition into Scotland vanquish't the Tyrant Macbeth slaying many thousands of Scots with those Normans that went thether and plac'd Malcolm Son of the Cumbrian King in his stead yet not without loss of his own Son and many other both English and Danes Told of his Sons Death he ask'd whether he receav'd his Deaths wound before or behind when it was answerd before I am glad saith hee and should not else have thought him though my Son worthy of Burial In the mean while King Edward being without Issue to succeed him sent Aldred Bishop of Winchester with great presents to the Emperour entreating him to prevail with the King of Hungary that Edward the remaining Son of his Brother Edmund Ironside might be sent into England Siward but one year surviving An. Dom. 1055 his great Victory dy'd at Yorke reported by Huntingdon a man of Giant-like stature by his own demeanour at point of Death manifested of a rough and meer souldierly mind For much disdaining to die in bed by a disease not in the field fighting with his enemies he caus'd himself compleatly arm'd and weapon'd with battel-ax and shield to be set in a chair whether to fight with death if he could be so vain or to meet him when far other weapons and preparations were needful in a Martial bravery but true fortitude glories not in the feats of War as they are such but as they serve to end War soonest by a victorious Peace His Earldom the King bestow'd on Tosti the Son of Earl Godwin and soon after in a Convention held at London banish't without visible cause Huntigdon saith for treason Algar the Son of Leofric who passing into Ireland soon return'd with eighteen ships to Griffin Prince of South Wales requesting his aid against King Edward He assembling his Powers enter'd with him into Hereford-shire whom Radulf a timorous Captain Son to the Kings Sister not by Eustace but a former husband met two miles distant from Hereford and having hors'd the English who knew better to fight on foot without stroke he with his French and Normans beginning to flie taught the English by his example Griffin and Algar following the chase slew many wounded more enter'd Hereford slew seven Canons defending the Minster burnt the Monasterie and Reliques then the City killing some leading captive others of the Citizens return'd with great spoils whereof King Edward having notice gather'd a great Army at Gloster under the conduct of Harold now Earl of Kent who strenuously pursuing Griffin enter'd Wales and encamp'd beyond Straddale But the enemy flying before him farther into the Country leaving there the greater part of his Army with such as had charge to fight if occasion were offer'd with the rest he return'd and fortifi'd Hereford with a wall and gates Mean while Griffin and Algar dreading the diligence of Harold after many messages to and fro concluded a Peace with him Algar discharging his fleet with pay at West Chester came to the King and was restor'd to his Earldom But Griffin with breach of faith the next year set upon An. Dom. 1056 Leofgar the Bishop of Hereford and his Clerks then at a place call'd Glastbrig with Agelnoth Vicount of the shire and slew them but Leofric Harold and King Edward by force as is likeliest though it be not said how reduc'd him to Peace The next year An. Dom. 1057 Edward Son of Edmund Ironside for whom his Uncle King Edward had sent to the Emperour came out of Hungary design'd Successor to the Crown but within a few days after his coming dy'd at London leaving behind him Edgar Atheling his Son Margaret and Christina his Daughters About the same time also dy'd Earl Leofric in a good old age a man of no less vertue then power in his time religious prudent and faithful to his Country happily wedded to Godiva a woman of great praise His Son Algar found less favour with King Edward again banish't the year after An. Dom. 1058 his Fathers death but he again by the aid of Griffin and a fleet from Norway maugre the King soon recover'd his Earldom The next year Malcolm An. Dom. 1059 King of Scots coming to visit King Edward was brought on his way by Tosti the Northumbrian Earl to whom he swore brotherhood yet the next year An. Dom. 1061 but one while Tosti was gone to Rome with Aldred Archbishop of York for his Pall this sworn brother taking advantage of his absence roughly harrass'd Northumberland The year passing to an end without other matter of moment save the frequent inrodes and robberies of Griffin whom no bonds of faith could restrain King Edward sent against him after Christmas Harold now Duke of West-Saxons An. Dom. 1062 with no great body of Horse from Gloster where he then kept his Court whose coming heard of Griffin not daring to abide nor in any part of his Land holding himself secure escap't hardly by Sea ere Harold coming to Rudeland burnt his Palace and Ships there returning to Gloster the same day But by the middle An. Dom. 1063 of May setting out with a fleet from Bristow he sail'd about the most part of Wales and met by his brother Tosti with many Troops of Horse as the King had appointed began to waste the Country but the Welch giving pledges yeilded themselves promis'd to become tributary and banish Griffin thir Prince who lurking somewhere was the next year tak'n and An. Dom. 1064 slain by Griffin Prince of North Wales his head with the head and tackle of his Ship sent to Harold by him to the King who of his gentleness made Blechgent and Rithwallon or Rivallon his two Brothers Princes in his stead they to Harold in behalf of the King swore fealty and tribute Yet the next year An. Dom. 1065 Harold having built a fair house at a place call'd Portascith in Monmouth-shire and stor'd it with provision that the King might lodge there in time of hunting Caradoc the Son of Griffin slain the year before came with a number of men slew all he found there and took away the provision Soon after which the Northumbrians in a tumult at York beset the Palace of Tosti their Earl slew more then 200 of his Souldiers and Servants pillag'd his Treasure and put him to flie for his life The cause of this insurrection they alledg'd to be for that the Queen Edith had commanded in her Brother Tosti's behalf
259. he practises against the life of Prince Edmund and revolts to the Danes p. 260. his cunning devices to hinder Edmund in the prosecution of his Victories against Canute p. 263 264. is thought by some to have been the Contriver of King Edmunds murther p. 266. the Government of the Mercians conferr'd upon him p. 268. he is put to death by Canutus and his head stuck upon a pole and set upon the highest Tower in London p. 268. Edward the Elder Son and Successor of King Alfred hath War with Ethelwald his Kinsman who aspiring to the Crown stirs up the Danes against him p. 115 116. he proves successful and potent divers Princes and great Commanders of the Danes submitting to him p. 216 217 c. the King and whole Nation of Scotland with divers other Frinces and people do him homage as their Soveraign p. 221. he dies at Farendon and is buried at Winchester p. 222. Edward sirnamed the Younger Edgar's Son by his first Wife Egelfleda is advanc't to the Throne p. 241. the contest in his Reign between the Monks and secular Priests each abetted by their several parties p. 242. great mischief done by the falling of a house where a general Council for deciding the controversie was held ibid. Edward inhumanely murder'd by the treachery of his step-mother Elfrida p. 243. Edward Son of Edmund Ironside Heir apparent to the Crown dies at London p. 292. Edward sirnamed the Confessor the Son of King Ethelred by Emma after Hardecnute's death is crown'd at Winchester p. 280. he seizeth on the Treasures of his mother Queen Emma p. 281. he marries Edith Earl Godwin's Daughter ibid. he makes preparation against Magnus King of Norway but next year makes peace with Harold Harvager ibid. he advances the Normans in England which proves of ill consequence p. 283. he is oppos'd by Earl Godwin in the Cause of Eustace of Boloign banishes the Earl and divorces his Daughter whom he had married p. 285 286. entertains Duke William of Normandy p. 287. he sends Odo and Radulf with a Fleet against Godwin and his Sons exercising Piracy p. 288. reconciliation at length made he restores the Earl his Sons and Daughter all to their former dignities p. 289. he is said to have design'd Duke William of Normandy his Successor to the Crown p. 296. dies and is buried at Westminster p. 297. his Character p. 297 298. Edwi the Son and Successor of Edmund is crown'd at Kingston p. 233. he banisheth Bishop Dunstan for reproving his wantonness with Algiva and proves an enemy to all Monks p. 233 234. the Mercians and Northumbrians revolt from him and set up his Brother Edgar p. 234. with grief thereof he ends his days and is buried at Winchester ibid. Edwin thrown out of the Kingdom of Deira by Ethelfrid p. 133. 146. flying to Redwall the East-Angle for refuge he is defended against Ethelfrid p. 147. he exceeds in power and extent of Dominion all before him p. 148. marries Edelburga the Sister of Eadbald ibid. he is wounded by an Assassin from Cuichelm ibid. the strange relation of his Conversion to Christianity p. 149. 150. he perswades Eorpald the Son of Redwald to embrace the Christian Faith p. 153. he is slain in a Battel against Kedwalla ibid. Edwin Duke of the Mercians see Morcar Elanius reckon'd in the number of ancient British Kings p. 25. Eldadus p. 28. Eldol ibid. Eledancus ibid. Elfled the Sister of King Edward the Elder takes Derby from the Danes p. 218. her Army of Mercians victorious against the Welsh ibid. after several Martial Acts she dies at Tamworth p. 221. Elfred the Son of King Ethelred by Emma betray'd by Earl Godwin and cruelly made away by Harold p. 274 276. Elfwald the Son of Oswulf succeeding Ethelred in Northumberland is rebell'd against by two of his Noblemen Osbald and Ethelheard p. 177. he is slain by the conspiracy of Siggan one of his Nobles p. 179. Elfwin slain in a Battel between his Brother Ecfrid and Ethelred p. 166. Elidure's noble demeanor towards his deposed Brother p. 26. after Archigallo's death he resumes the Government but is driven out again and imprison'd by his two other Brethren p. 27. Elind reckon'd in the number of ancient British Kings p. 28. Ella the Saxon lands with his three Sons and beats the Britans in two Battels p. 119. he and his Son Cissa take Andredschester in Kent by force ibid. begins his Kingdom of the South-Saxons ibid. Elwold Nephew of Ethelwald reigns King of the East-Angles after Aldulf p. 187. Emeric succeeds Otha in the Kingdom of Kent p. 127. Emma the Daughter of Richard Duke of Normandy married first to K. p. 249. afterwards to Canute p. 268. banisht by her Son-in-Law Harold she retires to Flanders and is entertained by Earl Baldwin p. 274. her Treasures seized on by her Son King Edward p. 281. she dies and is buried at Winchester p. 287. a Tradition concerning her question'd ib. Eorpwald the Son of Redwald King of the East-Angles perswaded to Christianity by Edwin p. 113. he is slain in fight by Ricbert a Pagan ibid. Erchenwin said by Huntingdon to be the Erector of the Kingdom of the East-Saxons p. 121. Ercombert succeeds Eadbald in the Kingdom of Kent p. 156. Eric see Iric Ermenred thought to have had more right to the Kingdom than Ercombert p. 156. Escwin and Kenswin the Nephew and Son of Kinegil said to have succeeded Kenwalk in the Government of the West-Saxons p. 164. Escwin joyns Battel with Wulfer at Bedanhafer and not long after deceaseth ibid. Estrildis belov'd by Locrine p. 14. is with her Daughter Sabra thrown into a River p. 15. Ethelbald King of Mercia after Ina commands all the Provinces on this side Humber p. 171. he takes the Town of Somerton p. 173. fraudulently assaults part of Northumberland in Eadberts absence p. 174. his encounter at Beorford with Cuthred the West-Saxon p. 175. in another bloody fight at Secandune he is slain p. 176. Ethelbald and Ethelbert share the English-Saxon Kingdom between them after their Father Ethelwolf Ethelbald marries Judith his Father's Widow p. 198. is buried at Shirburn ibid. Ethelbert succeeds Emeric in the Kingdom of Kent p. 127. he is defeated at Wibbandun by Keaulin and his Son Cutha p. 128. inlarges his Dominions from Kent to Humber p. 137. civilly receives Austin and his Fellow-preachers of the Gospel p. 139. is himself baptiz'd p. 140. mov'd by Austin he builds S. Peters Church in Canterbury and endows it p. 141. he builds and endows S. Paul's Church in London and the Cathedral at Rochester p. 142. his death p. 145. Ethelbert Eadbert and Alric succeed their Father Victred in the Kingdom of Kent p. 170. see Eadbright Ethelbert the Son of Ethelwolf after the death of his Brother Ethelbald enjoys the whole Kingdom to himself p. 198. during his Reign the Danes waste Kent p. 199. he is buried with his Brother at Shirburn ibid. Ethelfrid succeeds Ethelric in the Kingdom of